CDCM PHA STEM Lesson – Mapping Public Health

In Mapping Public Health, student scientists learn how public health officials use different types of maps to visualize complex data sets. Students create an area map of lung cancer to identify areas where interventions are necessary. Students use different types of data visualizations to explore trends in flu, heart disease, and strokes and then design an intervention to help affected populations. Students communicate their findings with others to show how information from maps is used to improve public health.

Topics included in Mapping Public Health:

• Area maps and spot maps
• Correlation, causation, contribution, and attribution
• John Snow and the roots of epidemiology
• Creating maps to visualize data
• Analyzing data from maps and other visualizations
• Public health approach to investigating epidemics
• Public health communication