Overview

The Columbine Instructor/Teacher's Guide is intended for college or high school Humanities courses. It emphasizes analysis and critical thinking.

Cross-Curriculum Design

Most sections were designed to apply across departments. The BY COURSE menu button is the exception. More at Using the Guide (with examples).

Engaging Students

Columbine is a vehicle to engage students analyticially on society, because it provokes such personal reactions. It feels like their lives. Most students can't remember the attack, but they all know the word. They are deeply curious. More.

Whole Book or Short Unit
Both approaches supported

Each analytical writing exercise addresses a limited reading selection. Page numbers are provided.

Courses Supported
A more complete list than the chart

• English / Literature
• Writing
• Creative Nonfiction
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Journalism
• Media Studies
• Criminology
• Religious Studies
• Contempoary History
• (High School) Social Studies

Teen Depression is the great unlearned lesson of Columbine. If you conduct just one discussion, please consider this topic.

Expanded Edition
Released November 2010

Edition 2.0 is simplified with a modular format, and expanded with new modules for Literature, Writing, and Psychology, and special modules, including Teen Depression.

Education Awards

• American Library Association Alex Award Finalist
• Top Education Book of 2009 — American School Board Journal 

Intro Video
Hook their interest

Teachers report great success introducing the book with this 3-minute Columbine video:

 

Thank You

The Columbine Instructor/Teacher's Guide was only possible because of you teachers, profs and students who wrote me with ideas. Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep them coming.

And thanks for teaching. I'm grateful for what you do.

— Dave

Suggestions?

What would you like added to the Columbine Instructor/Teacher's Guide? Let me know what you would like, and please send exercises, assignments, etc., which have been effective.

We hope to include more on films and music, since it's an easy way to engage kids. Many teachers have used Bowling for Columbine, but there are actually two much better films: April Showers and Zero Day. I highly recommend them.