Students learn about President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and its potential political, cultural, and economic impacts. They explore the controversy surrounding this idea, including its historical context and implications for shared identities and industries. By examining the Gulf’s vital role in fishing, oil, and shipping industries, students gain insight into how such changes could reshape diplomacy, economics, and cultural ties. This discussion also highlights the challenges of a name change, from navigating international agreements to preserving historical significance, and considers how these proposals reflect efforts to redefine America’s global influence.

CONCEPTS

Use this video lesson on political and economic decision making. Learn basic related concepts of

• Decision Making
• Economic Impacts
• Financial Responsibility
• Risk Management
• Economic Decision Making
• Resource Allocation
• Understanding Opportunity Cost
• Impact of External Factors

GRADE LEVEL

Grades 9-12 (High School) and Adult Education.

TIME REQUIRED

30-45 minutes, adjustable based on student needs and interests. More in-depth lesson plan below will be longer.

PROCEDURE

Hand out the worksheet below (see the GET LESSON button near the bottom of the page).

Show students the video and have them complete the worksheet.  Review the questions on the worksheet.  For a more in-depth lesson, complete the lesson plan below.

Gulf of America? Why Trump Wants to Rename the Gulf of Mexico

After watching the video, ask students to summarize the main points made in the video. Encourage students to highlight key concepts and discuss them in small groups before sharing with the class.

 

Lesson Plan: Gulf of America? Why Trump Wants to Rename the Gulf of Mexico

 

Objective:

• Understand the historical, economic, and cultural significance of the Gulf of Mexico.
• Analyze the potential impacts of renaming the Gulf of Mexico from multiple perspectives (historical, political, and international).
• Engage students in critical thinking and debate about the implications of such a change.
• Reinforce key concepts through activities and a quiz.

Materials Needed:

• Video: “Gulf of America? Why Trump Wants to Rename the Gulf of Mexico”
• Projector or computer for video playback
• Printed handouts with discussion questions
• Whiteboard or flip chart for brainstorming activities
• Quiz sheets or online quiz platform

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Briefly introduce the topic of renaming geographical landmarks and its potential implications.
• Pose an opening question: “What do names mean to you, and why do they matter?”
• Provide background on the Gulf of Mexico and its importance to the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba.

2. Video Screening (10 minutes)

• Play the video “Gulf of America? Why Trump Wants to Rename the Gulf of Mexico.”
• Ask students to take notes on key points during the video, focusing on historical, economic, and political aspects.

3. Group Discussion (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups and provide discussion prompts:
  • Why is the Gulf of Mexico historically significant to the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba?
  • What are the potential economic impacts of renaming the Gulf?
  • How might this proposal affect international relations?
  • Do you think renaming the Gulf reflects American identity, or does it disregard shared history?
• Groups will share their answers with the class, and a facilitator will summarize key points on the whiteboard.

4. Activity: Debate (20 minutes)

• Divide the class into two teams: one supporting the renaming and one opposing it.
• Provide time for teams to prepare their arguments based on the video and discussion.
• Conduct a structured debate where each side presents their case and responds to counterarguments.
• Conclude with a class vote on the issue and a reflection on the debate process.

5. Wrap-Up Discussion (5 minutes)

• Ask reflective questions:
  • What surprised you most about this topic?
  • What do you think this debate reveals about the importance of history and identity in naming landmarks?
• Summarize the lesson and highlight the key takeaways.

6. Quiz (10 minutes)

• Provide students with a short quiz based on the video and discussion.

Homework Assignment:

• Research another example of a geographical landmark being renamed and write a one-page analysis of its effects.
• Students will present their findings in the next class session.

Lesson Resources

• Gulf of America? Why Trump Wants to Rename the Gulf of Mexico