007 - Choropleth Mapping (Optional Lesson)

Factual Question

How can choropleth maps illustrate statistics concerning the USA?

Activity One - Understanding

Answer the following questions:

1. What is a choropleth map?
2. Describe how a choropleth map is constructed?
3. What are the benefits to using a choropleth map?
4. What are the problems of using a choropleth map?

Resources

• Geography Field Work - Choropleth Maps
• The Pros and Cons of Choropleth Maps

Activity Two - Construct

You will be given a base map of the USA to create a choropleth map illustrating a specific indicator. The maps will help to build up a picture of how varied the USA is despite being classified as one country.

Activity Three - Interpretation

1. Describe the pattern of data on your choropleth map.
2. Why do you think that pattern has occurred? Explain your answer.