Greenland and America

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• News
• World events
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• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• BTEC, GCSE

Introduction

Welcome to this lesson about Trump and Greenland. You can download and modify this lesson as the situation evolves!

Greenland

& America

At the end of

this lesson you can . . .

• Explain the situation involving Greenland, the United States, and Denmark
  

• Clarify why Greenland is so important in world politics
  

• Identify the key countries and leaders involved

Learning Objectives Page

1

Yes

2

No

3

A little

Do you know about this news story?

A simple poll starter

What do you already know about

Greenland & America?

Word cloud to gauge current knowledge in the group.

How do you feel about this situation?

An emoji poll - current events can be overwhelming and stressful.

Newsround video link - could be easily replaced with one that suits your learners' age and knowledge.

What's happening?

What?

The President of the United States has said that he would like Greenland to be part of the US.

Where?

It concerns Greenland, a large island and autonomous* region that is currently part of Denmark.

When?

On Saturday

10 January, Trump shared this news in a press conference

at the White House.

Autonomous

that you can make decisions yourself

Information slide.

Background

• The US has had a presence in Greenland for a long time

• There is an American
  military base

• Strategic location: from Greenland, the US can track missiles

• Melting ice makes resources more accessible

• China and Russia also want more influence for this reason

Further information slide

Why do

you think this is important news?

What can you think of?

Major consequences

Many people involved

Notable / exceptional

Relates to previous news

Why do you think this is important news word cloud.

What does this mean for…

The UK?

Tensions in NATO.

The United Kingdom collaborates with other countries

to prevent conflicts.

You?

Resources from Greenland are in phones, laptops, and tablets.

Daily life?

Greenland is situated

on important shipping routes

and influences

trade and goods.

This sets up the next slide.

What could be a consequence?

Open question

Further Developments

• The US announced a 10% tariff on exports from eight European countries in January 2026.

• The countries affected include Denmark, the UK, and others.

• The tariff could rise to 25% by June unless a deal for Greenland's purchase is made.

• The US President hinted at using force to acquire Greenland if needed.

Further information slide

The 'Davos* Climbdown'

• No Military Action: President Trump said he will not use force to take over Greenland.

• Tariffs Cancelled: Planned tariffs for February were cancelled after a meeting with NATO's leader.

• Framework Deal: A future deal is planned for Greenland and the Arctic, focusing on security.

• Security and Sovereignty: The deal may include a defence system in Greenland and some U.S. control over small areas.

Davos

Davos, in the Swiss Alps, hosts the World Economic Forum for world leaders.

Updated to include details from World Economic Forum

Why do you think Trump backed down?

Open question - draw on information from ealrier in the lesson.

Key Concepts

Greenland

Large island, part of Denmark, important due to its location and resources.

Autonomy

The residents are allowed to make many decisions themselves.

Raw Materials

A raw material is a material used to make something.

Strategic Location

Key area for security, shipping route, and/or power.

Any questions?

BBC Newsround

Follow the news further here:

Shout Out UK

FYI Weekly News Show

You could swap out these links for ones that may suit your learners better.

News Focus lessons - short lessons on current events