The World and Its People

Chapter 7: Central America and the Caribbean Islands

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter, students read about the countries of Central America and the Caribbean islands. Puerto Rico is the easternmost of the islands of the Greater Antilles. Although 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.

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 about 1,000 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. The legislature consists of a House of Representatives and the Senate.
5. Students' letters will vary.