Spanish Lesson Plan: Class Debate on the “Tren Maya” Project

Engage your Spanish students in a real-world debate about the Mayan Train Project, or “Tren Maya,” an ambitious infrastructure initiative in México aimed at connecting key destinations across the Yucatán Peninsula.

Your students will read articles and watch videos from primary and secondary sources to learn about the project, then present the pros and cons of the project during a class debate.

Overview of the “Tren Maya” Project

Aimed at boosting transportation, tourism, and the local economy, the “Tren Maya” project has been a focal point of debate from its inception to its completion in December 2024.

✅Those who are for the project, argue that the Tren Maya will boost economic growth in the region by creating jobs in construction and tourism, directly benefitting local residents. By improving regional connectivity between cities and smaller towns, the train will also increase transportation in the area and help alleviate overtourism in hotspots like Cancún. Finally, it is argued that making historical sites more accessible will aid in the promotion of Mayan culture and the opportunity to share its rich heritage with the world.

❎On the other hand, critics have raised valid concerns and pointed out the environmental impact that the trains’ route will have on sensitive ecosystems. The project will threaten wildlife habitats and the biodiversity of local jungles and cenotes, while also increasing deforestation and pollution. Many indigenous groups have also highlighted the risks of displacement for their communities and the exploitation and commodification of Mayan culture for profit. Skeptics have also argued that the projects’ economic benefits may primarily serve large corporations, rather than local communities.

Classroom Activity: “Tren Maya” Debate

This activity is designed to engage your students in a real-world debate, while enhancing their Spanish comprehension and fostering critical thinking skills. By analyzing current materials, your students will enhance their language skills, while gaining a deeper understanding of México’s cultural and environmental challenges.

1. Research: Have your students use the articles and videos provided below to learn about the Tren Maya project, or encourage them to find their own sources if time allows.
2. Discussion: Divide the class into groups to analyze the projects’ benefits and drawbacks.
3. Debate: Host a structured debate where students present and defend their perspectives.
4. Reflection: Conclude with a discussion on the complexities of sustainable development and cultural preservation in the Yucatán.

Debate Resources

News Articles

1. (2024, August 5). El Tren Maya es la vía hacia la Justicia Social y la Prosperidad Compartida para nuestras comunidades excluidas del éxito turístico: Mara Lezama.  Gobierno del Estado Quintana Roo. https://cgc.qroo.gob.mx/el-tren-maya-es-la-via-hacia-la-justicia-social-y-la-prosperidad-compartida-para-nuestras-comunidades-excluidas-del-exito-turistico-mara-lezama/
   • Alternative link: https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/politica/El-Tren-Maya-es-la-via-hacia-la-Justicia-Social-y-la-Prosperidad-Compartida-para-nuestras-comunidades-excluidas-del-exito-turistico-Mara-Lezama-20240805-0042.html
2. (2023, September 5). ¿Por qué las comunidades no quieren el “mal llamado Tren Maya”?. Ibero Cuidad de México. https://ibero.mx/prensa/por-que-las-comunidades-no-quieren-el-mal-llamado-tren-maya
3. Espinosa, Nazly Tenopala. (2024, February 29). Tren Maya, ventajas y desventajas. https://www.uic.mx/tren-maya-ventajas-y-desventajas/
4. Abi-Habib, Maria. (2022, August 28). Tren Maya en México: expertos y científicos advierten de riesgos. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/es/2022/08/28/espanol/México-tren-maya-amlo.html

Videos

1. Tren Maya ¿Ecocidio o progreso? Lo bueno y lo malo
2. Video: Tren Maya avanza la infraestructura eléctrica para la operación de los trenes híbridos
3. ¡Es el nuevo Maya train! En México | ¿Realmente vale la pena?

Discussion Questions

After your class debate, discuss the following questions:

1. From the different arguments presented, which do you think were the strongest arguments from each side?
   • What do you think were the weakest? What are some terms or expressions that you didn’t know before reading the articles or watching the videos?
2. Are you able to determine which words come from Castilian Spanish and which words originate from indigenous Mexican languages?
3. Practice using the conditional with “If, then statements” to talk about the effects of the train on different aspects of the places where it’s being built
4. Come up with 5 phrases to express opinion or to continue making an argument, using Creo que…, Me parece que…, Como resultado…, Además…, Por ejemplo..

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