Students are introduced to the history of the European Union from post-World War II to the present. They explore how the EU functions. Then, they work in groups to research and present the two sides of the Brexit referendum. Finally, students analyze Brexit and explain their own position.
Students read an introduction comparing the size of European countries to Texas and are introduced to the idea of a “union” as separate parts joined into a larger whole, using examples like a cake and the United States. They examine the European Union flag and respond in a two-column class table about the benefits and disadvantages of being united with other states or nations.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, then clarify the concept of “union” using the examples provided. Facilitate a brief discussion of student responses in the table, prompting them to consider both advantages and disadvantages of political and economic unions and to keep these ideas in mind throughout the experience.
Students are introduced to the European Union as an economic and political union of 28 countries. They watch European Union and read The EU in Brief to learn about the EU’s origins, goals, structure, and key policies. They then answer multiple-choice and inline-choice questions about the initial goals of the European Economic Community, EU policy areas, the Schengen Agreement, and other features of how the EU functions.
Teacher MovesGuide students through the overview of the EU and monitor their responses to the questions to check for understanding. Lead a discussion about what students learned, including problems or threats facing EU countries, and invite volunteers to summarize what the EU is so you can clarify misconceptions before moving on. Organize students into small groups in preparation for the next scene.
Students learn that in June 2016 Great Britain voted in a referendum, called Brexit, to leave the European Union. They watch a CNN Report to see how citizens voted and what concerns shaped their choices. Working in small groups, students research Brexit online to identify the main economic, political, and social reasons some voters supported Leave and others supported Remain. Groups create a report presenting both sides and share it by posting directly to a discussion wall or by linking to a digital presentation created with tools such as Prezi, Tiki-Toki, PowerPoint/Google Slides, or Glogster. They then review other groups’ presentations and discuss what new information they notice compared to their own research.
Teacher MovesFrame Brexit as a real-world example of a country deciding whether to remain in or leave a union. Support groups as they research, helping them locate reliable sources and distinguish between economic, political, and social arguments. Optionally assign some groups to argue the Leave position and others the Remain position, culminating in a class debate. After reports are posted, highlight interesting or exemplary group work and facilitate discussion that compares findings across groups.
Using what they have learned about the concerns on both sides of Brexit, students write a paragraph on a class discussion wall explaining their own position on whether a country should isolate itself for economic, social, and political protection or work closely with other countries. They then read classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment, engaging in dialogue about differing viewpoints.
Teacher MovesAllow time for students to read and respond to one another’s positions, prompting respectful, evidence-based discussion. Lead a whole-class conversation about how the exchange may have influenced students’ thinking, and note how close the actual Brexit vote was and how surprising the result was to many observers. Invite students to compare Brexit to the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections in terms of close outcomes and public reaction.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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