What are three different methods of the death penalty that are still used in the U.S.?

1. How accurate was your prediction?

2. What surprised you about this information?

3. Do you think that this information would surprise most Americans?

4. Which of the methods of administering the death penalty do you find the most gruesome?

5. Why are so many different methods of killing used in the US?

6. What geographical patterns do you notice in the map of the U.S.?

7. What are two consequences of the U.S. having the death penalty?

8. Is this information good news or bad news?

9. Most economically advanced countries no longer allow capital punishment. The U.S. does, and after China, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, is the top executioner in the world. Why do you think that is?

10. Does this information in any way affect your opinion regarding the death penalty?

11. One writer has argued that the death penalty should only be legal if the jurors that vote for it are willing to carry out the execution themselves. In the comments section, react to this proposal:

Learning Extension

Read the Nobel Peace Prize winning, Amnesty International's fact sheet on the death penalty in the U.S. And listen to Radiolab's amazing new spinoff More Perfect podcast, Cruel and Unusual. Warning: this podcast contains bad language and distressing imagery.

Action Extension

Contact your state legislator and share your opinion on the methods of the death penalty used (or not used) in your state:

Bonus Chart