Teaching Truth in the Age of AI: A Classroom Lesson in Misinformation Detection

In an era of AI-generated content, viral rumors and endless scrolling, students need more than access to information; they need the skills to question it. This poster presentation introduces a high-engagement lesson that teaches misinformation detection through the Dihydrogen Monoxide challenge, in which participants analyze alarming claims about a dangerous chemical before discovering it is simply water. You will experience the lesson as students, then unpack the instructional design behind it, including claim analysis, evidence evaluation, lateral reading, source verification and responsible sharing habits. Explore how technically true facts can mislead through omission, emotional language, false authority and missing context, with connections to AI-generated misinformation, manipulated media and algorithm-driven amplification. Ideal for teachers, librarians, coaches and leaders in ELA, social studies, science, journalism, advisory or digital citizenship settings, you will leave with adaptable slides, student organizers, discussion prompts and assessment ideas for middle and high school learners, plus a repeatable framework for helping students pause, investigate and verify.