Rational Number Operations · Weeks 1-9

Subtracting Integers

Students will subtract integers using the concept of adding the opposite.

About This Topic

The European Union: A Bold Experiment introduces students to the concept of supranationalism, where nations give up some sovereignty to achieve common goals. Students examine the EU's origins as a way to prevent war through economic interdependence and its evolution into a single market with a shared currency, the Euro. The unit also covers the challenges of this integration, including the tension between national identity and European unity.

This topic is crucial for understanding modern geopolitics and the global economy. It aligns with standards regarding the functions of international organizations and the impact of open borders. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation as they debate the trade-offs of membership for different types of nations.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The EU Council Meeting

Assign students to represent different EU member states (e.g., wealthy Germany, struggling Greece, or neutral Sweden). They must negotiate a new policy on environmental standards or border control that satisfies everyone.

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The Pros and Cons of the Euro

Students consider the benefits (easy travel, stable prices) and drawbacks (loss of control over interest rates) of a shared currency. They share their thoughts with a partner and decide if they would want their country to join.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Gallery Walk: Brexit Perspectives

Display various viewpoints on the UK's decision to leave the EU, including economic, cultural, and political arguments. Students rotate to summarize the different motivations behind 'Leave' and 'Remain.'

⏱ 30 min·Individual

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The European Union is a country like the United States.

What to Teach Instead

The EU is a unique partnership of 27 independent countries. Using a 'Simulation' helps students see that member states still have their own governments and often disagree on major issues.

Common Misconception

All European countries are in the EU and use the Euro.

What to Teach Instead

Many countries (like Switzerland or Norway) are not in the EU, and some EU members (like Sweden or Poland) do not use the Euro. Mapping these different 'levels' of integration helps clarify the complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of the European Union?

The EU was created to foster economic cooperation and prevent conflict between European nations by making them more dependent on one another.

What are the 'four freedoms' of the EU?

The EU's single market is based on the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital across borders.

Why did the UK leave the European Union?

The 'Brexit' decision was driven by concerns over national sovereignty, immigration control, and the economic costs of EU membership.

How can active learning help students understand the European Union?

The EU is a complex political structure that can feel abstract to 7th graders. Active learning strategies like the 'EU Council Meeting' simulation force students to step into the shoes of national leaders. This helps them understand that 'cooperation' isn't just a nice idea, it involves difficult compromises and balancing the needs of very different economies. This makes the political and economic concepts much more concrete.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU