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?