Though Puerto Rico is part of the United States, its colonial history, its distinct culture, and its tropical Caribbean setting make it decidedly different from the upper stated.

Learning Objective

Students will learn that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States but very different from the 50 states.

Social Studies Standards

Culture: A, C

Discussion Prompts

• Like Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii are situated away from the mainland but they are considered states and Puerto Rico territory. What are the political and cultural implications of this difference?
• Why does Puerto Rico have Spanish as a primary language while all American states have English as their primary language? How might this difference impact their place in American society?
• Although Puerto Rico had the basic resources for the conquistadors to build a life there, they chose not to. What might be some of the reasons that the conquistadores left? Back up your assertions with facts.
• What makes Puerto Rico unique when compared to the states in and out of the mainland? What features are most intriguing? Justify your answers.

Lesson Activities

• Create a presentation contrasting Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Illustrate the political, cultural, and economic similarities and differences using the media of your choice. Collaborate with a peer and present the findings to your classmates.
• Research the migration of Puerto Ricans to the mainland. Find their whereabouts, professions, how they chose to live, and any other information you find important to include in your research. Create a table to show your findings and include a conclusion.
• Create a tour guide for a 3-day end of the year trip to Puerto Rico for an 8th grade class. Include historical and cultural information as well as fun places to visit. Present it to your class.
• San Juan is full of symbolism. Create a drawing that tells Puerto Rico’s story, incorporating a 5-sided image, a representation for the Taino, a religious symbol, blue cobblestone, and pastel colors. Drawings will be displayed in your class and in the Culture Department of Puerto Rico.

Vocabulary

• boricua
• citadel
• cobblestones
• emergence
• fortification
• massive
• mercenaries
• sophisticated
• Taino
• territory

Download

In the Americas Season 11 Lesson Episode 6