Chapter 2

Know Your Firearm Equipment(pages 6-22 in "Today's Hunter" guide book)

1. Guiding Questions

   • Why is knowing the parts and functions of a firearm so important to keeping everyone safe?

   • How does the type and projectile of a firearm dictate the appropriate use of that firearm?

2. Learning Targets(Objectives)

   • I can identify the parts of a firearm, clean, and safely store a firearm.

   • I can properly load, unload, and MAKE USE of a firearm's safety mechanism.

   • I can explain the difference between a rifle, shotgun, and handgun as well as their uses related to hunting.

3. Key Vocabulary

   • Firearm

   • Action

   • Stock

   • Barrel

   • Bore

   • Cartridge

   • Shotshell

   • Handgun

   • Gauge

   • Safety Mechanisms

   • Sights

   • Load

   • Choke

   • Safe Firearm Storage

4. Optional Ideas for Instructional Practices

   • Hands on activity, demonstration, and/or manipulation*if appropriate within the school setting

     • The use of Conservation Officers or Local Conservation Board Members may be beneficial. Please contact the IADNR for contact information in your area.

   • Teacher led discussion

     • Opening questions could be:

       • Has anyone ever fired a firearm? What type? What type of game could be pursued with that firearm, if appropriate?

   • Problem Based Group Discussion or Think-Pair-Share

     • Small groups debrief and describe their ideas to answer the following question:

       • James intends to try Dove hunting with some friends. He is unsure of the correct firearm to use for this hunt and is unfamiliar with proper the ammunition. What steps would you recommend that James takes prior to heading into the field for his hunt?

       • Jenny is a high school student and operates a babysitter service on the weekend. Recently, she was babysitting two 2nd grade boys. That evening she notices that a firearm was left sitting out on a workbench where the boys may see it. Even though Jenny does not hunt herself, why would a Hunter Education course benefit her in this situation? What steps should Jenny follow to alleviate any possible accidents?

5. Supplemental Questions or Activities

   • Social Studies Connection: The evolution of modern gunpowder has greatly improved the efficiency of firearms over the past 950 years. As technology evolved and powder became cleaner, safer, and more efficient, why do you think that firearm components, such as barrels, also had to evolve?

6. Supplemental Videos

   • Loading and Unloading Firearms Checklist

     • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgkWit-dtv0&list=PL4r2Ml7ccVx8IoTnTms26rNQ0cT1zKB4-&index=9

   • How to Clear a Plugged Barrel

     • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s70kdrCsBqc&list=PL4r2Ml7ccVx8IoTnTms26rNQ0cT1zKB4-&index=10

   • Firearm and Hunter Safety

     • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBqcAoeudW4

   • Entire Rifle Video Series via Hunters Connect

     • https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_YKP0Q16rj4Abwo0bX23OiGlR5UY0SdA

7. Optional Props

   • unloaded firearms(if permitted at your location)

   • Dummy ammunition(if permitted at your location)

   • Locking devices for firearms

   • Firearm cleaning kit

   • Empty ammunition boxes

8. Additional Resources

   • This may be a great opportunity to contact a local Conservation Officer or Range Safety Officer to visit your classroom and present information.

     • Please contact the IADNR for contact information.

   • Article: The Gunpowder Revolution

     • https://www.britannica.com/technology/military-technology/The-gunpowder-revolution-c-1300-1650

   • Cody, WY Firearms Museum

     • https://centerofthewest.org/explore/firearms/

Gunpowder Timeline, 1000-1900