European Union Lesson 3 What symbolises the EU?

Lesson Aims:  To analyse the symbol of the EU  To understand why symbolism is so important  To consider why it is hard to share an identity. Lesson Outcomes:  To have completed an exercise matching flags to their appropriate countries.  To have participated in a whole class discussion about symbols and symbolism.  To have designed a new flag to represent the European Union

Activity 1: 10 mins  Match the pictures of the flags to the correct country in the EU.  If you have finished write down why you think a flag is important to a country.

The European Union Flag

But what does it mean?

12 stars: The cycle of the 24 hour clock Circle: Infinity, Never Ending, Can not be broken

The proposed ‘Deckchair’ flag

Designed by: Rem Koolhassa Shows colours from the flags of every country in the EU. What do you think?

Activity 2: Designing a flag Design your own flag to represent all the countries in the EU Add a written explanation of your choice of shapes, colours and images.

Activity 3: Final thoughts…  When do people successfully share a symbol of identity?  Why is it hard to produce one flag to please everyone?