Chapter 7: Central America and the West Indies "Puerto Rico"

Introduction

In this chapter students read about the countries of Central America and the West Indies. Puerto Rico is the easternmost of the islands of the Greater Antilles. While it is part of the culture region of Latin America, politically it is part of the United States. So many Puerto Ricans have immigrated to the United States that more live in the continental U.S. than on the island itself.

Lesson Description

Students will visit a general site about Puerto Rico. They will look up some interesting facts about Puerto Rico and then write a letter to the U.S. Congress expressing an opinion about the future status of the island.

National Geography Standards:
Standard 1: The geographically informed person knows and understands how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
Standard 4: The geographically informed person knows and understands the physical and human characteristics of places.

Instructional Objectives

1. The student will be able to research specific information about Puerto Rico.
2. The student will write a persuasive letter regarding the future status of Puerto Rico.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. 18.15ºN, 66.30ºW
2. the coqui, a tiny frog found everywhere on the island of Puerto Rico
3. Puerto Rico is one of the most densely populated islands in the world, with over 1,100 people per square mile.
4. Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth of the United States. Its chief of state is the president of the United States, and the head of government is a governor elected by the people of Puerto Rico to 4-year terms.
5. Students' letters will vary.

  Go to Student Web Activity