As K-12 educators, we strive to ignite a passion for learning in our students. One way to achieve this is by incorporating unique and intriguing topics into our lesson plans. Today, we’re exploring the peculiar phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion (SHC) – an occurrence that has baffled scientists, piqued the interest of the curious, and even inspired novels like Charles Dickens’s Bleak House.
Although rare and controversial, spontaneous human combustion provides an excellent opportunity to engage students in interdisciplinary learning – covering history, science, and literature. This engaging topic, paired with age-appropriate resources tailored for your K-12 classroom, will spark students’ curiosity and encourage them to think critically.
Historical Overview:
Begin by discussing the historical cases and context of SHC. Introduce famous occurrences like Mary Reeser’s in 1951, or Dr. John Irving Bentley’s in 1966. Guide your students through analyzing primary source documents like newspaper articles reporting these peculiar events. With younger students, focus on general descriptions while high schoolers can delve into more detailed analysis.
Scientific Investigation:
Transition into a scientific exploration by introducing theories behind SHC. While some believe it to be a paranormal event, scientists have proposed various hypotheses such as the wick effect or static electricity buildup. Encourage students to research these theories and debate their merits based on scientific evidence.
For older students, dive deeper into the chemistry of combustion, discussing how the human body could theoretically catch fire due to chemical reactions or gas production. Carry out a safe simulation in the lab (e.g., sodium bicarbonate + acid to produce carbon dioxide and heat) to further explore this idea – ensuring adequate safety precautions are taken.
Literary Connections:
Lastly, explore how this phenomenon has influenced literature over time. Assign passages from Charles Dickens’s Bleak House, where the character Krook falls victim to spontaneous combustion. Facilitate discussions on why Dickens chose to incorporate this event into his work and how it reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with the unexplained.
Teaching spontaneous human combustion in your K-12 classroom can offer thought-provoking lessons across multiple disciplines. Remember to adapt materials according to students’ age and abilities, maintain an open-minded approach when discussing controversial topics, and prioritize safety during any hands-on experiments. Demystify science for your students and fuel their curiosity – after all, the spark of learning can ignite great things!
