Thematic Maps & Ebola 

This  website has many different types of thematic maps.  A  thematic map is a type of map or chart especially designed to show a particular theme connected with a specific geographic area. These maps "can portray physical, social, political, cultural, economic, sociological, agricultural, or any other aspects of a city, state, region, nation, or continent".  

Your textbook discussed a deadly disease called cholera.  It spread through contaminated water during 1854.   John Snow (doctor)  was able to figure out the source by plotting out the cases of sickness.   (He made a thematic map!)  The same can be true of a very deadly disease that is spreading through Africa, Ebola. 

Please get handout from teacher before you start activity.

Step 1: Watch video on Below

Step 2 -> -> ->  Please look at the 2014 Ebola cases.   Use this to answer question 3.  As a geography you need to try to figure where the disease originated from in 2014 based on the map below.   You will need to base your answer with specific facts from the map.   



Step 3:  Below is a population map of Western Africa.   Where are the most populous areas?   How does this relate to Ebola thematic map?

Population Map of AFrica

Step 5: Ebola comes to America.  Please watch the two videos below to learn about how this disease got to the United States?  Did is spread?  Why or why not?

Step 6: Please get handout that says 22 maps that will surprise you.   and go to the following link:22 Maps that will surprise you.  You will be exploring other thematic maps.  

Ebola Cases in 2014

http://www.mapsofworld.com/thematic-maps/ebola-outbreak.html

Step 4:
Ebola is not a new disease.  There has been outbreaks before. You will need to mark this on your worksheet with square boxes.   

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28755033

​Please watch the video below to learn about current Ebola situations.