Hey another teacher!
Im a lover of science myself! As an Aussie, we have strict gun laws here and to be honest, I feel safer for it. I've heard of some horror stories of children coming across them at home and while on trips and either getting killed or serious injuries. Very sad. The animals probabaly don't particularly like it either.
I'm looking forward to seeing more of your science writing- I read your Words Not To Use in the Classroom article and found that hands down, balls gets kids going. Haha.
Take care.
Nick