[A] Ask the class if they have encountered the new euro notes and coins. What did they think of them?

[B] Have the group heard people talking about the euro, or seen any press coverage? What opinions were expressed?

[C] Is the euro debate important to the group? Do they feel it will affect their lives in any way?

Here are a few suggestions of ways to use the questions:

• in the format of a TV quiz show
• as a written task (individually or in teams)
• as a research activity

Answers for the quiz:

1. 12 countries
2. 100 cents
3. 500 euro
4. 1 cent
5. Seven notes
6. The harp and the word 'Eire'
7. Copper
8. Five tests

Extension activity
Print information from one of the guides on the right.

Our guide is specially written for 8-14 year olds.

Students can use this information to set quiz questions of their own.

Plenary
Recap on the new pieces of information learned and students present their own questions.

Teachers' Background

• The 12 countries who use the euro are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.

• One euro is worth about 70p.

• The biggest euro banknote will be 500 euros - worth over £350!

• Here are all the euro banknotes:
  • 500 euros (worth about £350)
  • 200 euros
  • 100 euros
  • 50 and 20 euros
  • 10 and 5 euros
• 1 euro can be split up into 100 cents.

• The front of each of the coins is exactly the same across Europe, but each country is allowed to design a different back.

• Here are all the euro coins:
  • 2 and 1 euros (two-tone silver and gold/bronze colour)
  • 50, 20 and 10 cents (gold/bronze colour)
  • 5, 2 and 1 cents (copper colour)

• Ask volunteers to present their version of a TV quiz show using the euro quiz questions.

• Have the assembled students vote for the answer they think is correct.