In recent decades, tourists have begun flocking to the Pacific coast of Oaxaca. Centuries earlier, indigenous communities flourished there, exploiting the bounty of the sea and forests. Some of these remain living with their ancient traditions. Other communities included enclaves of escaped slaves, who founded their towns in labyrinthine estuaries, preserving their ancient agricultural knowledge and customs.

Learning Objective

Students will learn about the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca including the people who live there and the marine life.

Social Studies Standards

Culture: B, D

Discussion Prompts

• Discuss at least three reasons why Oaxaca is considered the most diverse state in Mexico and one of the most diverse regions in North America.
• What steps has the government taken to protect this area? How have these actions affected fishermen, marine life, and helped to preserve the ocean?
• The show’s host says he admires the turtle’s “heroic struggle”. Discuss the challenges turtle hatchlings face as they try to survive and the predators they encounter, including humans, animal predators, and natural obstacles.
• How does the food chain on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca work? Using examples from the video (such as birds, larvae, crocodiles, fish, etc.), identify which animals are predators and which are prey, and explain how you determined their roles.

Lesson Activities

• You have been hired to manage a special program responsible for keeping coastal beaches in Oaxaca clean and safe. Create a bulletin that addresses water quality, highlights concerns about wastewater treatment and explains what citizens can do to help protect and maintain safe beaches.
• The beginning of the video features two murals that represent marine culture along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca. Design a new mural that reflects this unique culture while being original and distinct from the one shown in the video.
• Design an infographic illustrating the journey of sea turtles from the time they are released on the beach to the small number that successfully reach the ocean. Include a legend identifying dangers and predators and include estimated survival rates.
• You are an oceanographer at the University of Oaxaca studying how to protect the diverse species of dolphins, sea lions, and whales. Prepare a slideshow presentation or speech explaining how oceanographic conditions contribute to marine biodiversity. Share key facts about some of the species that make up this diverse marine ecosystem to encourage support from the community.

Vocabulary

• array
• captivating
• converge
• fauna
• gastronomy
• mangrove
• oceanographic plunder
• refuge
• sewage

Download

In the Americas Season 12 Lesson Episode 4