Weapons don’t just design and build themselves – they need highly-skilled people to do this.
But most of us have no intention of joining in mass murder. What’s a weapons company supposed to do? It turns out they have lots of tricks and techniques to get hold of the people they need – and they target them younger than you might think, right in school. Or even before…
Zoe was one they tried to inveigle into the war business. Elise West from Medical Association for the Prevention of War is one of the campaigners aiming to erase weapons companies’ ability to get a hold of our kids. Jinsella from Demilitarise Education in the UK is another staunch peace advocate. You’ll hear from all three activists in this episode.
Curriculum Links
National Curriculum (ACARA)
This resource is designed to be used as a provocation, primary source or orientation for an interdisciplinary unit of work. The design is in line with ACARA’s STEM Connections project, intended to support a cross-disciplinary approach to the teaching of STEM disciplines. Suggested focus areas:
- Future technologies
- Justice
- Globalisation
Related content descriptions can be found in:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Maths
In a STEM Connections unit, students:
- Develop STEM dimensions including relationships, in particular to explore alternative perspectives.
- Develop STEM practices including: using their knowledge, understanding and skills in response to identified needs, opportunities and problems from their communities (local, national or global)
Apply the general capabilities, Critical and Creative Thinking, and Ethical Understanding, to make informed decisions and choices when creating solutions for complex needs, opportunities or problems. https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/resources/stem/
STEM Concepts
Relationships
- Cause and effect
- Alternative perspectives
- Impact of change
Note:
A useful and important guide for teachers is available from SBS
Queensland Studies provides a guide to Dialogue Circles and how they might be used for teaching and learning including for
- hearing people’s views on a topic
- reciprocal sharing and learning
Suggested Learning Experiences
Before listening
Rich questions/inquiry questions – what is ethics in science – what is ethical, what is not? Use think, pair, square or use a Barometer exercise to explore a range of topics/questions.
E.g. How can STEM education be used to identify needs, opportunities and problems from our community (local, national or global)?
While Listening
Segment 1 Zoe
- What was the relationship between the selection process for the National Youth Science Forum, and how it was promoted to students?
- How do you feel about the fact that the speakers and presenters from the weapons corporations did not appear until the last day?
Segment 2 Elise West
- Why do you think BAE systems would sponsor a program like Engineering Fairy Tales?
- Listen for these ideas, ‘positive brand association’ and ‘the talent pipeline’ How are they connected?
- What do you think of weapons companies’ use of terms like ‘equality’, ‘sustainability’, ‘self-fulfilment’ or ‘creativity’?
Segment 3 – Jinsella
To identify and explore different perspectives use a True for Who strategy involving Discussion, Brainstorming points of view, Speaking from a viewpoint, Stepping back to reflect.
After listening
- Individually use an adaption of a a visible thinking tool to reflect – hear, feel, think, wonder
- Use a Jigsaw strategy or individual research to explore the products and business model of four companies (Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Boeing, Raytheon)
- Discuss and investigate the question – Should corporations influence what is taught in schools? Use a barometer exercise or informal debate.
- In what other curriculum areas or school contexts are there ethical questions regarding what is taught, create a survey to identify staff/student opinion.
Additional Reading and links mentioned in episode:
An mp4 audio file of the podcast episode is available to download here.
West, E. (2022). Minors and Missiles. Medical Association for Prevention of War. https://www.mapw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Minors-Missiles-2022-FINAL-jan-31_2023.pdf
Daley, P. (Fri 4 Dec 2020, December 4).The strange case of the weapons maker and the Australian children’s charity. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/04/the-strange-case-of-the-weapons-maker-and-the-australian-childrens-charity
Guyer, Jonathon (Dec 16, 2022). VOX. This DC party invite shows all the money to be made off the Ukraine war. https://www.vox.com/world/2022/12/16/23507640/dc-party-invite-military-contractors-money-ukraine-russia-war-us
Lazare, S. ( January 27, 2022).
Top Weapons Companies Boast Ukraine-Russia Tensions Are a Boon for Business. In These Times.
