Μάθημα : Erasmus+ 2024-2025 "Understanding EU environmental policies and their impact on Well-Being"

LESSON PLAN

 This lesson plan provides an engaging, interdisciplinary approach to learning about EU environmental policies and their impact on well-being.

The teaching scenario was designed to combine language learning with environmental education, promoting communicative competence in English and active citizenship. The topic—EU environmental policies and their impact on well-being—was selected for its interdisciplinary relevance and potential to engage students in meaningful real-world issues that directly affect their present and future lives.

The scenario is grounded in inquiry-based and project-based learning. Students work collaboratively to investigate authentic EU policies, develop their digital presentations, and critically reflect on their peers' work. These methods foster higher-order thinking skills, teamwork, creativity, and personal responsibility. Guided learning and peer evaluation are also key elements, helping students remain focused while encouraging autonomy and reflective thinking.

Digital tools such as Genially, Wakelet, and the Wheel of Names enhance student engagement and add significant pedagogical value. They support differentiated learning, enable the integration of multimedia, and help students express their ideas in innovative ways. These tools also allow students to create digital content that is interactive and visually appealing, improving both their ICT skills and their motivation to participate.

The scenario promotes multiple types of learning: exploratory (through research), collaborative (through group work), guided (through structured worksheets), and experiential (through discussion of real-world case studies). In the context of the foreign language classroom, it provides an authentic, task-based environment that encourages learners to use English meaningfully and purposefully, far beyond textbook exercises. Finally, the integration of digital media and current topics contributes to the originality and contemporary relevance of the lesson, making language learning a dynamic and socially conscious process.

Learning Goals 

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand how the European Union protects the environment and public health.
• Explore EU policies that affect the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the places we live in.
• Use reliable sources to research environmental policies.
• Develop comprehension and critical thinking skills through discussion and analysis.
• Enrich their vocabulary with key environmental and sustainability terms.
• Organize ideas using guiding questions in preparation for a presentation.

Activity 1 – Discovering how the EU cares for the Environment and our Well-Being

Duration: 20 minutes

The teacher displays a presentation titled "Welcome" to introduce the lesson.

Students watch two short videos:

• The European Green Deal Explained

• Understanding the Circular Economy

Before watching, the teacher asks students to think about the following questions:

• Why are these policies important?
• What are the goals behind these actions?

After the viewing, a whole-class discussion is facilitated by the teacher. Guiding discussion questions include:

• Which policy do you think impacts your daily life the most?
• What actions can we take at school or at home to support a greener future?
• How can young people contribute to the EU’s environmental goals?

The teacher then presents six key EU environmental policies worksheet 1:

• The European Green Deal

• The EU Biodiversity Strategy

• The Zero Pollution Action Plan

• The Circular Economy Action Plan

• The Farm to Fork Strategy

• The Renewable Energy Directive

and explains how these policies are linked to the students’ well-being and daily lives.

Activity 2 – Assigning Topics for Research

Duration: 20 minutes

The teacher uses the Wheel of Names digital tool to randomly assign an EU environmental topic to each student.

      Possible topics include:

•       Climate Change and EU Policies
•       Sustainable Fashion and the Circular Economy
•       Pollution Control in the EU
•       Biodiversity Protection in Europe

Students record their assigned topic in their worksheet (Worksheet 2).

Activity 3 – Individual Research and Vocabulary Development

Duration: 25 minutes

Students:

• Conduct individual research using trusted sources (EU Environment Portal, European Green Deal website, LIFE Programme).
• Complete Worksheet 2 by answering guiding research questions (e.g., main goals of the policy, connection to human well-being, implementation challenges, etc.).
• Practice key environmental vocabulary through two mini vocabulary activities:
  • A multiple-choice quiz
  • A matching definitions exercise

Activity 4 – Reflection

Duration: 15 minutes

Students respond in writing to the following prompt included in Worksheet 2:

“What small changes can individuals make in their daily lives to align with EU sustainability goals?”

Location: English Language Lab – Tablets will be used for research activities.

Session 2: Create Your Interactive Presentation

Duration: 90 minutes
Location: Computer Lab

Session Overview

In this session, students will bring their research to life.
They will organize their ideas and use Genial.ly  to design an interactive presentation about the EU environmental policy they have explored.

At the end of the session, students will upload their final presentations to a shared Wakelet Collection.

Learning goals

By the end of this session, students should be able to:

• Understand how EU environmental policies affect both nature and human well-being.
• Use digital tools to present complex ideas simply and creatively.
• Develop their communication and presentation skills.
• Reflect on how young people can contribute to sustainability and well-being.

Steps to implement

Activity 1:Planning the Presentation

Ask students to use their notes from Worksheet 2 and complete Worksheet 3 to organize their ideas.

Each presentation should include the following sections:

• Introduction: What is the policy about? Why is it important?
• Key Policy Overview: What are the goals and actions of the policy?
• Impact on EU Countries: Who benefits from the policy and how?
• Challenges and Solutions: What problems arise, and how are they addressed?
• Future Developments: What are the next steps for this policy?

Activity 2: Creating with Genial.ly

Guide students to access https://genial.ly/ and start designing their interactive presentations.
Provide access to a tutorial video if needed.

Presentations should include:

• A clear structure (Introduction → Main Points → Conclusion)
• A short video relevant to their topic
• Engaging visuals (photos, infographics, icons)
• Simple, clear language
• A list of sources (bibliography)
• Maximum duration: 10 minutes

Tip: You may share an example Genial.ly presentation with students to inspire and guide them.

Activity 3: Sharing the Final Work

Once students complete their presentations:

• Instruct them to upload their Genial.ly link to the designated Wakelet collection for the class.

Before submission, remind students to review their work using the Presentation Checklist:

✔️ Introduction + Main Content + Conclusion

✔️ Video and visuals included

✔️ Clear layout and accessible language

✔️ Sources properly cited

✔️ Within the 10-minute time limit

Final Thought

This activity encourages students to creatively synthesize what they have learned and to communicate it effectively to an audience.
Support them in using their voice to inspire others to care for the environment — and remind them to enjoy the creative process!