Puerto Rico brings sun-soaked beaches, Bomba dancing, and colorful colonial streets to mind. But beneath its tropical charm lies a vibrant ecosystem of scientific discovery just waiting to be explored. For science teachers looking for a new frontier, Puerto Rico offers unique opportunities to bring science to life - all within a U.S. commonwealth in the heart of the Caribbean. Recently, I was lucky enough to travel with one of our tour groups as they ventured into the wonders of Puerto Rico.

Real-World Science Outside the Classroom  

Puerto Rico's natural environment is a living laboratory. School Tours of America partners with Vamonos Tours to bring the following opportunities to our tour groups.

El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system.  Its attractions include natural pools with beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and birdwatching. El Yunque National Forest covers more than 28,000 acres and gets plenty of rain – 120-240" per year, so you will want to bring some rain gear and perhaps an extra shirt. The forest is home to over 200 species of trees and plants, including the delightful coqui frog. We spent a wonderful afternoon hiking and swimming among the rocks and giant ferns. A quick drive up to an observation tower offered a spectacular view of the landscape. 

Marine biology tours through the island's pristine bays and cays are a biologist's dream. Puerto Rico is home to three of the only five bioluminescent bays in the world. They are Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande, and La Parguera. When disturbed, these bays contain microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates that produce a blue-green glow-in-the-dark effect. Swimming in this bay was a definite highlight for the entire group. It’s like floating among the stars!  

Mangrove cays are small sand islands built upon reefs covered by mangrove plants. Mangroves are tropical plants that grow in wet, salty soil and are essential because they act as a natural barrier against the sea, protecting the land from the impacts of hurricanes and other weather events. They also provide a vital habitat for marine life. Our swim through the mangrove channels felt like a magical lazy river with real wildlife – a pair of pelicans!  

Here is what our group leader, Nick, had to say about this excursion: “The opportunity to teach students about symbiotic relationships (MS-LS2-2) while they are swimming through coral reefs and mangrove cays is learning that will last a lifetime.  The opportunity to take what students have learned in the classroom and for them to transfer those skills to real world experiences really allows the learning to come to life.”  

Las Casas de la Selva is nestled high in the rainforest in Patillas. It has been the home of Tropic Ventures Sustainable Forestry & Rainforest Enrichment Project since 1983. This is the place for hands-on work where your students learn by doing: cutting bamboo, clearing trails, and planting trees, all to preserve and build this precious ecosystem. Groups venture out on silent night hikes to experience the rainforest after dark, then fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest in a cabin or a tent. Time in Las Casas de la Selva is a wonderful way to immerse your students in a situation that may be out of their comfort zone but will create a memory that lasts forever.

This destination was considered the highlight for our group. Our group leader, Nicole, shared, “By FAR, the experience working with 3T at Casa de le Selva was the highlight! Students got so much out of providing a service that they can feel good about. The work, the team building and reflection had a huge impact on our students.” 

Finca Don Manuel is a leading tropical fruit farm in Santa Isabel. It produces fruit year-round and uses wind turbines to produce clean energy. The farm grows pineapples, plantains, papayas, squash, and other crops for local markets. Finca Don Manuel is a perfect example of agritourism, combining agriculture and tourism to offer visitors a chance to learn about farming techniques, energy generation, water conservation, harvesting, and packaging processes. It also is a prime example of sustainable agriculture. The farm works hard to protect the environment, conserve resources, and support its local community.   

All of these opportunities offer real-world connections that make science relevant and engaging for you and your students.  

Not Just for Science  

The science aspects of this trip are phenomenal, but it's not just a science trip; it is also an interdisciplinary opportunity for some of your other classroom standards. 

History comes alive in Old San Juan with a walk through its blue cobblestone streets and spectacular forts that once protected the small island.

There are cultural activities such as Bomba dancing lessons whose beats echo its African past. In this genre, the dancer sets the beat, and the drummer (bomber) works to follow and capture the mood being set

Schedule a visit with world-renowned artist Samuel Lind, whose vibrant artwork embodies Puerto Rico's cultural identity. He is a humble and gracious man who welcomes visitors into his home/art studio to learn about his work.

Can I mention the food?!? Culinary delights are around every corner! The cuisine of Puerto Rico is a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences. The central ingredients include rice, beans, plantains, and pork or chicken. Popular dishes include mofongo (mashed plantains), empanadas, and tostones (green plantains) that get dipped in mayo ketchup (Trust me, it is delicious!) The quesitos (stuffed pastries) are a must if you have a sweet tooth. The chart-topper, however, was the "limbers" in Old San Juan. A limber is a frozen treat made with fruit juice and served in a cup. A careful flip of the treat sets it up to be eaten like a push pop. The story is that they are named after the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, who visited the island in 1928. The Spanish pronunciation of his last name has evolved into the word "limber."    

Final Thoughts  

Puerto Rico isn't just a place of sun and surf—it's a place of STEM inspiration. As a teacher, you can connect your classroom to dynamic ecosystems that go way beyond traditional learning. Nick said this after the trip, “Being able to bring the learning that takes place in the classroom to life is an educator’s dream. A concept that can be taught over and over again in so many different ways within the walls of a classroom still can’t compare to the opportunity that student travel gives students to experience the learning in real life.”  

Feel nervous about taking the first step? Let Nicole’s words encourage you: “It can be a scary thought to take students so far away from home. Encourage a parent/guardian to attend with their child. Fundraise! Just do it! Reach out to those who have done it before for some tips.” Whether you want to enhance your practice or open doors for your students, School Tours of America and Puerto Rico are ready to support and inspire you!