This case study explores a time before the Germ Theory when doctors were uncertain how disease was spread. Current models, such as the humoral or miasma model could not fully explain how cholera infected some households, but not others. This case story explores London, England in 1854 after an outbreak of cholera which had a mortality rate of 12.8%. Students examine a map which shows houses where cholera had been reported and places where there were common water sources and follow the steps of John Snow, who is considered the “Father of Epidemiology.” This methodology is still used today to establish patterns of infections for emerging diseases.
In addition to epidemiology, the case study explores the history of sanitation, and how cesspits likely contributed to the spread of cholera.
Grade Level: 10-12
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Cherie Brisebois
where do we find answer keys for the case studies?
Admin
I don’t post answer keys, so that students don’t take shortcuts and just copy the answers.
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The answer key would be nice
Admin
I can provide answer keys to other instructors, but posting them online would allow too many students to take shortcuts. Case studies are about working through a problem, discussing the evidence in small groups. If you can just google the answers, the process doesn’t work. Understanding comes from building an understanding.