Instruction
Duration: 45 minutes
Keywords: European Union, integration, four freedoms, EU citizenship, EU policies, diversity, democracy
Objectives
- The student understands the origins of the EU and is familiar with its main institutions.
- The student can identify the competencies of the EU and assess their significance for Poland’s membership, participating in group discussions.
- The student analyzes selected examples of EU policies and their impact on the local community.
- The student formulates their own opinions, supports them with arguments, and participates in decision-making simulations.
- The student recognizes opportunities for cooperation and ways to utilize EU initiatives in their own life.
Materials and tools
- Whiteboard or screen for noting ideas
- Optional: smartphones for quick fact-checking
Warm-up (5 min)
Method: Brainstorming
The teacher asks open-ended questions: “What opportunities does Poland’s membership in the EU provide?”
Students share ideas aloud, and the teacher records the most interesting ones on the board.
Brief reflection: which ideas are the most inspiring and engaging?
KNOWLEDGE ZONE (30 min)
Mini interactive quiz (10 min)
The teacher presents key facts about the EU (origins, main institutions).
Students, in pairs or small groups, answer questions such as: “What is the role of the European Parliament?” or “How does Poland benefit from EU decisions?”
Groups share their answers with the class, and the teacher supplements with brief factual comments.
Students collaboratively create a map of EU institutions, highlighting their impact on the everyday functioning of the state.
Exercise (15 min)
Method: Spontaneous interests simulation – interactive version
Students are divided into 3–4 groups, taking on the perspectives of different citizens: students, entrepreneurs, farmers, social activists.
The teacher asks: “Which EU initiatives could positively affect your group and your community?”
Groups have 2–3 minutes to discuss and agree on a joint position.
Each group presents its position to the class as a short skit, argument, or quick mind map.
Other groups can ask questions or suggest additional initiatives, fostering constructive discussion.
The teacher summarizes, highlighting different perspectives and the real positive effects of EU decisions for Poland and its citizens.
Inspiration (5 min)
Method: Everyday life analysis
Students, in pairs or trios, give examples of how the EU positively impacts their lives: education (Erasmus), volunteering, work, environmental projects, or community initiatives.
A few volunteers share their observations with the class.
The teacher connects these examples to EU institutions and demonstrates the practical impact of EU policies.
REFLECTIONS AND SUMMARY (10 min)
Method: Short guided discussion
The teacher asks questions:
- What are the greatest opportunities the EU provides for Poland
- How can we actively make use of EU initiatives in our own lives?
- Which EU institutions best support positive change, and why?
The teacher can also refer to information published on the European Youth Portal, which presents projects and initiatives aimed at young people living, studying, and working in Europe. The portal is available at: https://youth.europa.eu/home_pl
Students respond spontaneously, and the teacher summarizes the lesson, noting key conclusions on the board.