Science Teaching Series

Internet Resources

I. Developing Scientific Literacy

II. Developing Scientific Reasoning

III. Developing Scientific Understanding

IV. Developing Scientific Problem Solving

V. Developing Scientific Research Skills

VI. Resources for Teaching Science

Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide!

A spoof is a humorous story, parody or satire.  One of the most famous spoofs is the work of Nathan Zohner, a student at Eagle Rock Junior High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  Zohner's science fair project, entitled "How gullible are we?", examined the response of his fellow students to a "petition" to ban dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO).  Zohner wrote a "petition" stating the dangers of DHMO in such a way that most readers think it is a dangerous product of an industrial lab, rather than what it really is, water (H2O).   Soon Zohner's petition was posted on the Internet and emailed around the world.  

Associated Press. (1997). Sophomore's Project Makes People Think. St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  2 November 1997 (E4).

The Invisible Killer

Dihydrogen monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and kills uncounted thousands of people every year. Most of these deaths are caused by accidental inhalation of DHMO, but the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide do not end there. Prolonged exposure to its solid form causes severe tissue damage. Symptoms of DHMO ingestion can include excessive sweating and urination, and possibly a bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting and body electrolyte imbalance. For those who have become dependent, DHMO withdrawal means certain death.

Dihydrogen monoxide:

Contamination Is Reaching Epidemic Proportions!

Quantities of dihydrogen monoxide have been found in almost every stream, lake, and reservoir in America today. But the pollution is global, and the contaminant has even been found in Antarctic ice. DHMO has caused millions of dollars of property damage in the midwest, and recently California.

Despite the danger, dihydrogen monoxide is often used:

Companies dump waste DHMO into rivers and the ocean, and nothing can be done to stop them because this practice is still legal. The impact on wildlife is extreme, and we cannot afford to ignore it any longer!

 

The Horror Must Be Stopped!

The American government has refused to ban the production, distribution, or use of this damaging chemical due to its "importance to the economic health of this nation." In fact, the navy and other military organizations are conducting experiments with DHMO, and designing multi-billion dollar devices to control and utilize it during warfare situations. Hundreds of military research facilities receive tons of it through a highly sophisticated underground distribution network. Many store large quantities for later use.

 


It's Not Too Late!

Act NOW to prevent further contamination. Find out more about this dangerous chemical.
Coalition to Ban DHMO
211 Pearl St.
Santa Cruz CA, 95060