Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Understand the concept and the objectives of MERCOSUR: Teachers must ensure that students understand what MERCOSUR is, its functions and objectives. This includes studying its history and reason for existence, as well as a critical analysis of the importance of the block for member countries.

2. Identify MERCOSUR's member countries and their features: Students must be able to list the countries that make up MERCOSUR and identify their main features, such as geographical location, economy, culture, and politics.

3. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to MERCOSUR: From the study of member countries, students must be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being part of MERCOSUR. This includes the analysis of economic, political, and social aspects.

   Secondary objectives:

   • Develop research and synthesis skills: During the learning process, students will be encouraged to use different sources of information to deepen their understanding of MERCOSUR and its members. They will also have the opportunity to practice the skill of synthesizing information, transforming complex data into clear and concise ideas.

   • Promote critical thinking: By analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to MERCOSUR, students will be challenged to think critically about the importance and impact of economic blocks on citizens' lives and the development of countries.

Introduction (8 - 10 minutes)

1. Review of previous content: Teachers must start the class by recalling the concepts of economic blocks and the importance of cooperation between countries. It is also relevant to review the general principles of geopolitics, so that students can understand the context in which MERCOSUR emerged and developed.

2. Problem situations: The teacher can propose two situations to encourage students' critical thinking:

   • "How can the creation of an economic bloc benefit the countries involved?"
   • "What are the possible challenges and conflicts that may arise between member countries of an economic bloc?"

3. Contextualization: Next, the teacher must contextualize the importance of MERCOSUR in the current reality, highlighting the relevance of international trade and diplomatic relations between countries. One could mention, for example, the influence of MERCOSUR on the economy, politics, and culture of member countries.

4. Introduction to the topic: To pique students' interest, the teacher can share trivia and interesting facts about MERCOSUR. Some examples are:

   • "Did you know that MERCOSUR is the largest economic bloc in South America, with a population of over 260 million inhabitants and a combined GDP of over $2 trillion?"
   • "Did you know that MERCOSUR is not only about trade but also promotes cooperation in areas such as education, culture, science, and technology?"

5. Getting students' attention: Finally, the teacher can present a short video (3 to 5 minutes) about MERCOSUR, including testimonials from political leaders, businessmen, and ordinary citizens from member countries, talking about the importance of the bloc in their lives and in their communities. This video can help to illustrate the theoretical concepts presented in a more concrete and emotional way.

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

1. Theory: What is MERCOSUR (5 - 7 minutes)? The teacher should start the theoretical part of the class by explaining what MERCOSUR is. They should emphasize that MERCOSUR is an economic and political bloc made up of South American countries, whose main objective is to promote economic and social integration between its members. The teacher should also address the history of MERCOSUR, from its creation in 1991 to the present day, highlighting the key moments and main challenges faced by the bloc. In addition, the teacher should explain the main features of MERCOSUR, such as the free movement of goods, services, and productive factors, the adoption of a common external tariff, and the coordination of macroeconomic and sectoral policies between member countries.

2. Activity: Interactive map of MERCOSUR (8 - 10 minutes) After the theoretical explanation, students will be divided into groups of 4 to 5 people. Each group will receive a map of South America and a list of the names of the member countries of MERCOSUR. The students' task will be to locate the MERCOSUR countries on the map and mark in different colors the countries that were already part of the bloc in 1991 and those that joined later. This activity will help students to visualize the composition of MERCOSUR and to better understand its expansion dynamics.

3. Theory: MERCOSUR member countries (5 - 7 minutes) After the activity, the teacher should return to the theoretical explanation, this time focusing on the member countries of MERCOSUR. The teacher should describe the main features of each country, such as geographical location, population size, GDP composition, main sectors of the economy, official language, predominant religion, etc. The teacher should also highlight the differences and similarities between member countries and discuss how these differences can influence the functioning dynamics of MERCOSUR.

4. Activity: Debate on the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to MERCOSUR (5 - 7 minutes) After the theoretical explanation, students will be divided into groups of 4 to 5 people. Each group will receive a list with arguments for and against the participation of a fictitious country in MERCOSUR. Students will have to analyze the arguments and prepare a short debate, in which each side will defend a position. At the end of the debates, the teacher should lead a classroom discussion, in which students can share their conclusions and opinions.

5. Theory: MERCOSUR and the world (3 - 5 minutes) Finally, the teacher should explain how MERCOSUR relates to the rest of the world. The teacher should discuss the trade agreements that MERCOSUR has with other blocs and countries, its diplomatic relations, and its geopolitical position. The teacher should also address the challenges and opportunities that MERCOSUR faces in the context of globalization.

Feedback (10 - 12 minutes)

1. Group discussion (3 - 4 minutes): The teacher should gather all the students and start a group discussion. Each group will have up to 3 minutes to share the main conclusions of their debate on the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to MERCOSUR. During the discussion, the teacher should encourage students to explain their opinions and defend their arguments. The teacher should also ask questions to stimulate students' critical thinking and to ensure that all relevant aspects of the topic are addressed.

2. Connection with theory (3 - 4 minutes): After the group discussion, the teacher should make the connection between the students' conclusions and the theory presented. The teacher should highlight how the students' discussions reflected the concepts and principles of MERCOSUR, and how these concepts and principles apply in practice. The teacher should also identify any gaps in students' understanding and clarify any misunderstandings.

3. Individual reflection (3 - 4 minutes): Then, the teacher should propose that students reflect individually on what they have learned. The teacher should ask questions such as:

   • "What was the most important concept you learned today?"
   • "What questions have not yet been answered?"
   • "What would you like to learn more about MERCOSUR?"

   Students will have up to 1 minute to think about each question. After the reflection time, students will be invited to share their answers with the class. The teacher should listen carefully to students' answers and use this information to plan future classes and activities.

4. Feedback and closing (1 - 2 minutes): Finally, the teacher should give feedback to the students on the class. The teacher should praise the students' strengths, such as their active participation, their ability to argue, and their critical thinking. The teacher should also point out areas for improvement, such as the need to research certain topics more or to practice certain skills. The teacher should end the class by reinforcing the main points learned and making the connection with the next class.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Summary of content (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher should begin the conclusion by recalling the main points covered during the class. This includes the concept and objectives of MERCOSUR, the identification of member countries, their characteristics, and the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to the bloc. The teacher should ensure that all students have understood these topics by answering any questions or doubts that may arise.

2. Connection between theory and practice (1 - 2 minutes): Next, the teacher should highlight how the class connected the theory, presented at the beginning of the class, with the practice, carried out in the group activities. The teacher should explain how theory provided the basis for understanding the concepts of MERCOSUR, while group activities allowed for the application of these concepts through discussions and debates. The teacher should emphasize that theoretical understanding is essential for effective participation in practical activities.

3. Extra materials (1 - 2 minutes): The teacher should suggest extra materials for students who want to deepen their understanding of MERCOSUR. This could include articles, videos, documentaries, websites of international organizations, among others. The teacher should also guide students on how to use these materials effectively, for example, by encouraging them to take notes while reading or watching, to discuss the material with their colleagues, and to relate the material to what has been learned in class.

4. Relevance of MERCOSUR (1 minute): Finally, the teacher should emphasize the importance of MERCOSUR in the global and local context. The teacher should explain how participation in MERCOSUR can benefit member countries through increased trade and investment, cooperation in areas such as education and health, and strengthening the voice of member countries in the international arena. The teacher should also highlight the relevance of MERCOSUR to the lives of ordinary citizens, for example, through the facilitation of travel and cultural exchange, and the protection of human rights and the environment.