TechKnow: Bulletproof Classroom - Full Episode

December 1, 2014 12:00AM ET

WATCH: TechKnow explores bulletproof backpacks and whiteboards making their way into children's classrooms.

Topics:
U.S.
Technology
 

In this “TechKnow,” contributor and former CIA operations officer Lindsay Moran explores companies that are developing bulletproof products designed to keep kids safe from school shootings.

Hardwire LLC adapted their expertise creating building reinforcements and military field armor to develop bulletproof school products. Their products, ranging from whiteboards and clipboards that teachers can use in instruction to backpack inserts and classroom door reinforcements, are designed to provide emergency armor protection without any damaging psychological impact on students.

The products are made of dyneema, a strong synthetic fiber that is also used to make skis and snowboards. Each Hardwire product has about 40 layers of compressed dyneema, giving them the bullet-stopping power of steel while weighing significantly less. 

Skeptical of the technology, Moran took some of Hardwire’s products to a local shooting range to test them out. She also speaks to parents about their thoughts on the technology 

Original airdate: May 13, 2014

More from TechKnow