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Website: www.dhmo.org
Hoax Premise: This site warns about the "dangerous chemical" dihydrogen monoxide—better known as water.
Use in Art Class: Analyze how scientific-looking design, graphs, and formal language can make absurd claims seem legitimate.
This website presents a fake but convincing warning about the dangers of “Dihydrogen Monoxide”—which is just H₂O, or water. The language mimics scientific jargon and includes alarming statistics, graphs, and technical phrasing, all of which make the information appear credible. The site is a classic example used to show how design and tone can create false authority, misleading viewers despite the absurdity of the content.
Art Lesson: “Designing Danger: How Visuals Can Mislead”
Grade Level: High School
Length: 1–2 class periods
Objectives
Students will analyze how design elements (color, typography, layout, imagery) can manipulate an audience.
Students will understand how visual authority is constructed.
Students will apply this knowledge to create their own “warning posters” about a harmless substance, using intentional design techniques to make it look serious or threatening.
Activity Steps
Introduce the DHMO Site:
Briefly present www.dhmo.org to the class. Ask:
"What is this site about?"
"Does it seem credible? Why or why not?"
Reveal that DHMO is water and discuss why the site feels trustworthy despite being false.
Visual Literacy Analysis:
As a class, dissect the design features:
Use of charts and infographics
Clean, clinical color scheme
Scientific fonts (sans serif, neutral)
Formal language
Studio Project:
Prompt: Create a "public service announcement poster" warning people about a harmless item (e.g., glitter, crayons, bananas).
Use design choices that intentionally exaggerate risk using color (red = danger), layout (official-seeming seals or logos), and typography (bold headlines).
This can be done digitally or with mixed media collage.
Reflection and Critique:
Display the posters in a “Gallery of Warnings.”
Students walk around and try to guess what is real vs. what is exaggerated.
Follow up with a discussion: How can artists and designers use their skills responsibly in the digital age?
Assessment Criteria
Clear use of visual elements to evoke concern or urgency
Understanding of media manipulation techniques
Creativity and craftsmanship in final product
Thoughtful participation in group discussion and critique
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