Life in the Caribbean
Information About This Unit
Description of Learning Unit:
In this unit, your child will explore life in the beautiful Caribbean. Your child will learn about the real pirates of the Caribbean and Christopher Columbus landing on the island of San Salvador. Your child will also discover facts about the weather and geography of the Caribbean. Skills will be mastered through the use of maps, hands-on activities, recipes, games and coloring pages. Your child will have fun learning how to make colorful Caribbean jewelry and going on a treasure hunt. This unit is designed to last for one week, depending on how often you teach history.
List of Objectives:
- Learn about the weather in the Caribbean.
- Learn about the geography of the Caribbean.
- Learn about the Caribbean pirates.
- Discover interesting facts about the Caribbean Sea.
- Learn about Christopher Columbus and the Caribbean Islands.
List of Materials and Supplies Needed for This Pathway:
- Cold coffee or tea (about 1/2 cup)
- Piece of white paper
- A blow dryer
- Markers
- Construction paper
- Colored markers
- Small prizes
- A shoe box
- Tempera paint
- Brushes
- Sturdy tape
- Optional: string or yarn
- 20 grams of small glass beads
- 4mm gold or silver beads
- Beaded elastic
- White glue
- Scissors
- 100-percent cotton T-shirt
- Rubber bands
- 2 or more colors of fabric dye
- Salt (1 cup per dye bath)
- Rubber bands and marbles and/or coins
- Spray bottles and plastic squeeze bottles
- Sealable plastic bags
- Latex gloves
- Stable cardboard for fish
- Tissue paper in colors of light green, dark green, orange, blue, yellow, black and red
- Liquid glue
- Scissors
- Thread for hanging
- 2 large green plantains
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 teasoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 crushed glove garlic (optional)
- 1 cup peanut oil
- Printer and paper
- Crayons or markers
Links to Free Learning Material
Links to Online Lessons:
| A New World | (no rating) |
In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the Caribbean Island of San Salvador. In this lesson, your child will learn about the discovery of this new world.
| Caribbean Pirates | (no rating) |
We've all seen the movies about how pirates roamed the Caribbean. In this lesson, your child will learn about the real pirates of the Caribbean.
| The Caribbean Sea | (no rating) |
In this lesson, your child will learn the location, size, climate and history of the Caribbean Sea.
| Caribbean Weather | (no rating) |
The Caribbean is known for its blue skies and warm sunshine, but the Caribbean is also known for its devastating hurricanes. In this lesson, your child will learn about weather in the Caribbean.
| Basic Geography of the Caribbean Islands | (no rating) |
In this lesson, your child will learn about the geography of the Caribbean Islands.
| Life in Puerto Rico | (no rating) |
Children from Puerto Rico talk about what it is like to live and play on this Caribbean Island.
Reference Websites:
| Caribbean Map | (no rating) |
This page contains a detailed map of the Caribbean.
| Islands of the Caribbean | (no rating) |
On this page, your child can click and explore the islands of the Caribbean.
| Eye on the Caribbean | (no rating) |
This website explores the people, climate and tourism of the Caribbean through interesting facts, interviews, puzzles and games. Have your child explore each page by clicking on the links.
| Caribbean Music | (no rating) |
The music of the Caribbean covers a diverse variety of musical styles. Read this page with your child to learn about the different types of Caribbean music and its rich history.
| Caribbean Sea Turtles | (no rating) |
All varieties of sea turtle are now endangered. On this page, your child will learn about the sea turtles that live in the Caribbean.
Hands-On Projects and Activities:
| Treasure Map | (no rating) |
Your child will enjoy making this very authentic looking pirate's map.
| Treasure Hunt | (no rating) |
Your child will have fun pretending to be a pirate as they go on a hunt for treasure.
| Treasure Chest Craft | (no rating) |
This pirate's treasure chest can be used to hide the treasure during your treasure hunt.
| Caribbean Foot Jewelry | (no rating) |
Bring a little tropical flair to your day by creating this bright and colorful Caribbean foot jewelry with your child.
| Tie-Dyed Shirt Craft | (no rating) |
In this activity, your child will make a bright, colorful Caribbean-inspired tie-dyed T-shirt.
| Make a Tropical Fish | (no rating) |
Add a touch of the Caribbean to your home with this fun, colorful tropical fish craft!
| Twice Fried Plantains | (no rating) |
A member of the banana family, fried plantains are a popular Caribbean recipe.
Learning Tools (worksheets, drills, printables, online games, tests, etc.):
| Map the Caribbean | (no rating) |
Have your child click on the names of the countries in the Caribbean to find out their names and other interesting facts.
| Caribbean Map Puzzle | (no rating) |
Have your child put together this online Caribbean map puzzle.
| Beach Coloring Page | (no rating) |
The Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches. Have your child color this picture of a fun day at the beach.
| Caribbean Tic-Tac-Toe | (no rating) |
Your child will have fun playing this online version of tic-tac-toe.
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Free Online Video:
| Caribbean Video | (no rating) |
In this video, your child will watch a group of baby sea turtles as they make their way to the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
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Free Online Audio: 
Free E-Books (and classics available in most libraries):