The student section What is the EU? includes a module on The UK in Europe.
Five sub-sections are arranged under the headings (click to view that unit):
Background
The UK is helping to run the EU
Why we didn't join the €urozone
What we pay in
What we get back
Each unit starts with the key points, which could be displayed on a whiteboard.
In each section clicking more » gives extended points.
Here are some suggested class activities to support the module.
Quiz
Small groups
On-line resources
Campaigning ideas
Your MEPs
KS3 Lesson plan - Having your say
KS3 Lesson plan - Campaigning
KS4 Lesson plan - UK in the EU
KS5 Lesson plan - Diversity in Britain
Quiz
When did the UK join?
Any idea why we joined?
Who are the MEPs for this area?
How is the UK divided into regions for electing MEPs? Is the voting system the same as for national MPs?
Which political parties are pro EU and which are anti?
Small groups
Some to think of advantages and some to think of disadvantages – this may not throw up many ideas but share what did emerge.
Make a few newspapers from across the spectrum available for pupils to scan for articles/information about Europe/the EU. Has this revealed any more pros and cons?
On-line resources
Map of electoral regions for the European Parliament – with number of MEPs
Regional lists of MEPs from 2009 election that can be called up individually.
Constituencies index
Regional MEPs and their website addresses
Regional Posters of the UK MEPs (PDF posters to download and print)
Timeline of how the EU has grown, from the Student module What is the EU?
Headline advantages and disadvantages, listed here in the Your MEPs section
Campaigning ideas
Divide class into three political parties – one very pro EU, one very anti EU and one unsure – we’re in but very half-hearted.
Take a vote on for and against.
Pupils in each group identify a specific issue to work on – in pairs
Develop arguments supporting their view.
Each party in turn to present these to the whole class to persuade them to change their minds.
Take a second vote to see if there is any change.
Your MEPs
Pupils are grouped to work on the website of one of the MEPs on their regional list.
KS3 Lesson plan - Having your say
Citizenship KS3
a suggested lesson plan
Having your say
Lesson objective
Learn how people can have their say in getting things changed in their community
KS3 Lesson plan - Campaigning
Citizenship KS3
a suggested lesson plan
Campaigning
Lesson objective
Learn how campaigning can be used by individual citizens working together to bring change
KS4 Lesson plan - UK in the EU
Citizenship KS4
a suggested lesson plan
The UK’s role in the European Union
Lesson objective
Learn what it means for the UK to be a member of the European Union
KS5 Lesson plan - Diversity in Britain
Citizenship Studies KS5
a suggested lesson plan
Diversity in Britain
Lesson objective
Learn about diversity in Britain