15 Aurora, CO Juniors in a social studies class at Overland High School participated in a Street Law deliberation activity on whether Congress should outlaw assault weapons. Although this is a heated topic at the best of times, for this American Government class, it was more emotionally charged than usual. These students are from Aurora, CO, the site of the 2012 movie theater shooting. In addition, on the very first day these students began their discussions, the Thousand Oaks, CA, shooting occured. However, utilizing Street Law’s materials, the students were able to set their emotions and personal biases aside to study a controversial problem, understand the arguments on all sides, and discuss it together in a calm, balanced way. “Instead of just hearing, I was actually listening,” one Overland student said. “I started to realize that everyone is compelled by what they think is best for everyone. They’re not good or evil.” Teaching Materials in Action Teaching Materials in Action Photo Credit: Nathan W. Armes