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 are introduced to the idea of a “union” using the example of the European Union and the United States, then complete a two-column table where they list potential benefits and disadvantages of states or nations uniting with others.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, clarify the concept of a union, and lead a discussion of students’ table responses, prompting them to keep these ideas in mind as they continue through the experience.
Students watch European Union and read The EU in Brief to learn how the EU developed, how it is structured, and its major policy areas. They then answer a series of multiple-choice questions about the EU’s origins, goals, political focus, the Schengen Agreement, and the euro to check their understanding.
Teacher MovesFacilitate a debrief discussion about what students learned, emphasizing both benefits and challenges facing EU countries, and invite volunteers to summarize what the EU is so you can clarify or correct misunderstandings before moving on and organizing students into small groups for the next scene.
Students watch a CNN Report on the Brexit referendum to see how citizens in Great Britain voted and what concerns shaped their choices. In small groups, they research Brexit online to identify key economic, political, and social reasons for both Leave and Remain positions, then create a report presenting their findings. Groups post their reports to a shared discussion wall or link to a digital presentation tool, and then review and discuss other groups’ presentations, noting information they did not find in their own research.
Teacher MovesClarify the context of the Brexit vote, guide students as they research and organize reasons for Leave and Remain, and optionally assign groups to argue specific positions and hold a class debate. After reports are posted, highlight interesting or exemplary work and facilitate discussion comparing findings across groups.
Drawing on what they have learned about Brexit, students write a paragraph explaining their own position on whether a country should isolate itself for economic, social, and political protection or cooperate closely with other countries. They then read classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with questions or positive comments to extend the conversation.
Teacher MovesAllow time for students to share and discuss their positions, asking whether peer perspectives have influenced or changed their thinking. Connect the narrow Brexit outcome to other close elections, such as the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections, to deepen understanding of contested political decisions.
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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