1. The Mystery of the Golden Stars
Two publications: Activity Guide and Story Book
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

2. In brief
The resource introduces different aspects of the European Union through a mystery story set in Brussels and based on the activities of three children: Ricki, Josh and Maddy.
Chapters in the story book are introductions to 6 clues.
The three children ask their friends at home (i.e. the class), via , for help to solve each clue.
Each of the 6 clues covers a different curriculum area: geography; maths; history; English; science and DT – See Objectives Grid – pages 3 & 4
The resource can be used once a week or during a European/international week
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

3. The Activity Guide - Contents
Introduction
How to use the resources
Objectives grid/Map for Activity 1
Activities 1-7 – with details on how to complete the task and background reading.
Photocopiables – colours match Activities
Solved Puzzles template
Detective’s Diary template
Puzzle answers
Other resources list
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

4. Completing each activity
Preparation: Each activity requires some photocopying and a few resources – detailed in the Activity Guide.
Read relevant chapters of the story book together or independently. Stop at the asking for help.
Discuss story so far and what they know about the EU (see Background reading).
Do individual tasks which when completed, lead to the clue word
Add answer on Solved puzzles sheet.
Complete the Detectives Diary
N.B. Answers are in the back.
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

5. Summary Activity 1 - Geography Which countries are in the EU?
Resources required
Stages of activity/tasks
Photocopy Map for each child or pair
T: Read details of activity
Class: Read chapters 1-3
Atlases
Distribute map. Colour in countries depending on when joined EU
Find the 8 capital cities from clues and put on map
Find the right letter from each capital city to complete the task
Add answer to Solved Puzzle Sheet as whole class
Talk about experiences of travelling in Europe and what the clue word means. See ideas and information in Plenary and Background information
Complete Detective’s Diary – to show what learnt
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

6. Summary Activity 2 – Maths What are the symbols of the EU?
Resources required
Stages of activity/tasks
Photocopy EU flag fragment
T: Read details of activity
Class: Read chapter 4
Photocopy EU flag cipher
Discuss story – guess who the mysterious stranger might be?
Protractors, rulers, mirrors, A4 tracing paper
Discuss what a symbol or emblem is and purpose of flags. Discuss how might complete the flag. Complete the flag using angles, distances etc. Lay tracing paper over cipher to find clue word. See Solving the puzzle page 7
Alternative activity: Fold photocopied flag fragment in half both ways – trace outline of stars and lay over cipher as above.
Add answer to Solved Puzzle Sheet as whole class
Talk about symbolism of the stars, EU anthem and motto. See ideas and information in Plenary and Background information
Complete Detective’s Diary – to show what learnt
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

7. Summary Activity 3 – History How did the EU begin?
Resources required
Stages of activity/tasks
Photocopy Cologne 1945 and Diary extract
T: Read details of activity
Class: Read chapter 5
Sugar paper and pens
Discuss story so far. Divide children into pairs and give out Cologne 1945
Study picture and discuss first impressions and children complete three boxes, discuss in groups, feedback to class. Use Background information
Give out Diary extract – read, discuss and identify person.
Add answer to Solved Puzzle Sheet as whole class
Talk about “Europe Day” See ideas and information in Plenary and Background information
Complete Detective’s Diary – to show what learnt
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

8. Summary Activity 4 –Literacy How are decisions made in the EU?
Resources required
Stages of activity/tasks
Photocopy Age restricted book debate
T: Read details of activity
Class: Read chapter 6
Sugar paper and pens
Discuss story so far and at end of chapter. Discuss UK parliament, voting and European Parliament. See ideas and information in Plenary and Background information
Divide class into 6 groups, distribute photocopy and assign a character to each group. Explain rules of debate (see page 11) and name of where the European Parliament debate takes place (Plenum)
At end of debate take a vote with show of hands.
Remind class of and elicit answer to clue.
Add answer to Solved Puzzle Sheet as whole class
Complete Detective’s Diary – to show what learnt
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

9. Summary Activity 5 –Science How is the EU relevant to you
Summary Activity 5 –Science How is the EU relevant to you? Water quality
Resources required
Stages of activity/tasks
Photocopy: Filter bed (pages 1 & 2); Word filter
T: Read details of activity
Class: Read chapter 7
Large and small plastic tumblers
Discuss story so far and at end of chapter.
Stones, gravel, sand
Discuss EU involvement in regulation of water quality (see Background information), and introduce and complete filtration task (see pages 13 & 14)
Coffee filter papers
Distribute photocopy of Word filter . Complete task to find clue word
Scissors, muddy water
Add answer to Solved Puzzle Sheet as whole class
Complete Detective’s Diary – to show what learnt
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

10. Summary Activity 6 –D & T How is the EU relevant to you? Toy safety
Resources required
Stages of activity/tasks
Photocopy: Soft toy disassembly board; Can you see the missing letters
T: Read details of activity
Class: Read Chapter 8
Discuss the story and at end of chapter. Discuss safety/dangers of toys.
Small stuffed toys with CE marks
Distribute photocopied Soft toy disassembly board . Explain and demonstrate task
Disassembly board: A3 black card, white paper, craft knives
Highlight CE mark and EU’s role in regulating safety (see Page 16).
Cutting boards, PVA glue, sticky labels
Distribute and explain photocopy Can you see the missing letters
Digital camera (optional)
Add answer to Solved Puzzle Sheet as whole class
Complete Detective’s Diary – to show what learnt
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)

11. Summary Activity 7 –Charade
Resources required
Stages of activity/tasks
Photocopy Charade
T: Read details of activity
Class: Read Chapter 9
Internet access, including Google maps and street view
Discuss the story and .
Distribute photocopy of the Charade
Using the answers on the Solved Puzzles Sheet, complete missing letters grid and solve the Mystery of the Golden Stars.
Use internet to search for the place revealed on the Charade.
Read Chapter 10 to finish the story
(c) Europe Direct information centre- Gloucestershire (Reproduction is authorised as long as source is acknowledged)