Understanding Dowsers with Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe
In Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe, Miss V. gives Cricket a dowser to help her find the hidden treasure box. Using the book as a starting point, introduce students to the use of dowsing and the explanations as to why dowsers may work.
Lesson Created By: SamanthaBell, Jo Watson Hackl
Essential Question
How do we determine if something is based on science or just belief?
Grade(s):
- 8
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Computer
Projector
Student Computers for Individual Use
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe
Lesson Progression
INTRODUCTION
In Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe, Cricket uses a dowser to find the treasure box the artist had hidden. In this lesson, students will learn what dowsers are and how they are used today.
1. Instruct the students to read Chapter 41 of Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe again. Based on what they read in the novel, what do they know about dowsers? Make a list on the board.
2. Write the definition of “dowsing” on the board. Definition: Dowsing (also known as divining) is the ancient practice of holding a metal rod or twig that is supposed to move to help find a hidden object.
3. Watch the video on this site of a man demonstrating dowsing with wires.
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/dowsing-anomalous-knowing/...
4. As a class, discuss what you saw and heard. Write this information on the board as well. How does it compare to what the students learned about dowsers from the novel?
MAIN LESSON
1. Instruct the students to read the article by the Illinois Farm Bureau on this page: https://farmweeknow.com/story-water-ways-time-tested-tradition-dowsing-c...
2. Discuss the history of water dowsing with the class. Resource: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf
3. Draw two columns on the board. Over one, write the word “Experience.” Over the other, write the word “Evidence.” Discuss what science says about dowsing. As you talk about it, write notes in the appropriate columns explaining either people’s experiences with dowsers or the scientific evidence behind their use. Resources: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/water_dowsing/pdf/water_dowsing.pdf
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a3199/1281661/
https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2017/nov/22/divine-in...
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
In form the students that they are going to write an opinion paragraph. Based on what they know about dowsing, do they believe it really works? Why or why not? Instruct the students to provide information to support their opinion. They may refer to the list on the board when writing their paragraphs.
EXTENSION
(Be sure to get parental permission before trying this experiment, as some may view the use of dowsers as a mystical activity.)
Provide the class with dowsing materials, such as twigs or metal rods. Place a bottle of water on the ground. Instruct the students to walk towards the water one at a time holding a dowser. Note if the dowser moves or not. Record your results.
The American Conservative - Dowsing And ‘Anomalous Knowing’
Video of a man demonstrating dowsing using wires
View ResourceThe Guardian - Divine Intervention: Yes, Water Companies Using Dowsing Really is that Bad
Article
View ResourceStandards
- Science and Engineering Practices
- 8.S.1 The student will use the science and engineering practices, including the processes and skills of scientific inquiry, to develop understandings of science content.
- 8.S.1A The practices of science and engineering support the development of science concepts, develop the habits of mind that are necessary for scientific thinking, and allow students to engage in science in ways that are similar to those used by scient...
- 8.S.1A.1 Ask questions to
- 8.S.1A.2 Develop, use, and refine models to
- 8.S.1A.3 Plan and conduct controlled scientific investigations to answer questions, test hypotheses, and develop explanations:
- 8.S.1A.6 Construct explanations of phenomena using
- 8.S.1A.8 Obtain and evaluate scientific information to
- 8.S.1A The practices of science and engineering support the development of science concepts, develop the habits of mind that are necessary for scientific thinking, and allow students to engage in science in ways that are similar to those used by scient...
- 8.S.1 The student will use the science and engineering practices, including the processes and skills of scientific inquiry, to develop understandings of science content.
- Grade 6: Acquire and use general academic and domain-specific words or phrases that signal precise actions, emotions, and states of being; demonstrate an understanding of nuances and jargon.
- RL.LCS.10.1 Use context clues to determine meanings of words and phrases.
- RL.MC.8 Analyze characters, settings, events, and ideas as they develop and interact within a particular context.
- RL.RC Range and Complexity
- W.L.4 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- Grade 1: Write left to right leaving spaces between words.
- W.L.5 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
- W.MCC Meaning, Context, and Craft
Assessments
Students write an opinion paragraph.