Facts You Learned in School That Are No Longer True
School is filled with subjects like algebra and chemistry, but some of the information provided turns out to be, well, not quite right. Many lessons, from historical oversights to health myths, have trickled down as “facts” over the years, and it’s likely that every student has encountered at least a few inaccuracies in their education.
Whether you were at a fancy private school or a regular public institution, it might be time to reevaluate what you learned. Research has uncovered various so-called facts taught in classrooms that have since been debunked, along with urban legends that somehow made their way into the curriculum.
Take a look at this list to find out which scientific idea most schools got wrong before 2006, or revisit the story of the first Thanksgiving to see if you got it right.
Pluto Is a Planet
For a long time, Pluto was considered the smallest and ninth planet in our solar system. However, it was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 due to the discovery of other objects in the Kuiper Belt that are comparable in size.
George Washington Had Wooden Teeth
Back in the 18th century, dental care was not great. It’s understandable that people believed George Washington and others had wooden false teeth. However, Washington’s dentures were made from various materials like ivory, human teeth, and even cow teeth.
Vincent van Gogh Cut Off His Own Ear
The image of van Gogh slicing off his ear fits into the narrative of the tortured artist. Still, this story is not entirely accurate. Recent historical claims suggest he actually lost his ear during a fight with fellow artist Paul Gauguin.
Christopher Columbus Discovered America
Even though Columbus has a holiday named after him, he didn’t really discover America. He landed on islands in the Bahamas but never stepped foot on what we now call the North American continent.
And his famous ships? They weren’t even called the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria during his time; the Niña was likely called Santa Clara instead.
Isaac Newton Discovered Gravity When an Apple Hit Him in the Head
While Sir Isaac Newton is credited with discovering gravity, he didn’t get that spark of inspiration from being hit by an apple. His revelation came while observing an apple fall from a tree.
Albert Einstein Was a Bad Student
Einstein might have been quirky, but that doesn’t mean he struggled in school. While many teachers love to tell students that Einstein wasn’t great at math to motivate them, he actually excelled academically.
Pilgrims and Native Americans Sat Down Together at the First Thanksgiving
Nearly every detail students learn about the first Thanksgiving is false. There were no turkey or pumpkin pies, and the Pilgrims did not invite Native Americans to their table, nor did they celebrate Thanksgiving in November.
The Great Wall of China Is the Only Man-Made Structure That Can Be Seen from Space
Yes, satellites can indeed capture images of the Great Wall of China, but it’s not the only man-made structure visible from space. Under certain conditions, astronauts can also spot large cities, pyramids, and big bridges.
Raindrops Are Shaped Like Teardrops
The cartoonish portrayal of raindrops resembles a tear, but scientists assert this is inaccurate. In reality, falling raindrops tend to be more flat, like hamburger buns, according to the United States Geological Survey.
You Can’t Start a Sentence with a Conjunction
Ignore what your English teacher might have said; you can actually start a sentence with a conjunction. Some might scoff, but it’s completely acceptable in modern writing.
Deoxygenated Blood Looks Blue
Some students believe blood only turns red when it’s exposed to oxygen because veins appear blue. However, this isn’t accurate; all blood is red, regardless of its oxygen content.
If You Swallow Gum, It Will Stay in Your Stomach for Seven Years
This myth was probably concocted by a parent trying to deter kids from swallowing gum. In truth, while chewing gum is not easily digested, it won’t linger in the stomach for years.
America Became Independent on July 4, 1776
It’s true that the Declaration of Independence was signed on this date, yet America didn’t become genuinely independent until after winning the Revolutionary War.
Diamonds Are the Hardest Substance Known to Man
Interestingly, two materials—wurtzite boron nitride and lonsdaleite—are actually harder than diamond. But because these substances are rare and unstable, you’re unlikely to encounter them.
Five Kingdoms of Classification Exist
Typically, biology classes teach that life is classified into five kingdoms: animals, plants, bacteria, fungi, and protists. However, scientists now believe there may be as many as eight.
You Only Use 10 Percent of Your Brain
While this idea has a grain of truth—about 90 percent of brain cells are white matter not directly used for thought—the entire brain is in use at any given time for various functions.
Chameleons Change Color to Blend into Their Surroundings
These reptiles do frequently change colors, but they don’t utilize this ability for camouflage. Instead, chameleons alter their colors mainly for communication and to regulate their body temperature.
Earth Is the Only Planet with Water
That long-held belief was proven wrong when NASA discovered that water exists on other planets too. In 2015, they found evidence of liquid water flow on Mars, and more recently, data suggests there might be a large underground reservoir on the planet.
Goldfish Can Only Remember Things for Three Seconds
Scientific studies have demonstrated that goldfish, contrary to popular belief, have much longer memories. They can remember patterns and locations for months, well beyond the three-second myth.
The United States Is a Democracy
While many say America is a democracy, it’s more accurately a republic incorporating elements of democracy along with other forms of governance established by the founders.
Witches Were Burned at the Stake in the United States
During the Salem Witch Trials, those accused of witchcraft were put to death, but they were typically hanged instead of burned, which is a common misconception.
The Salem Witch Trials Were Caused by a Fungus
A theory from the 1970s proposed that the hysteria surrounding the Salem Witch Trials could have been caused by ergot poisoning, a fungus. While it might have made its way into bread, it likely wasn’t potent enough to cause widespread panic.
Pilgrims Wore Only Black and White Clothing
Though popular imagery suggests that Pilgrims dressed entirely in black and white, the truth is they wore colorful outfits most days, reserving monochrome looks for special occasions.
Following the Food Pyramid Is the Best Way to Eat
Many kids from the 70s through the 90s might remember the food pyramid advocating a carb-rich diet. However, the USDA has since revamped its nutritional guidelines to promote a more balanced approach including whole grains, fruits, and proteins.
Eating Chocolate Gives You Acne
While health teachers often warned against chocolate for clear skin, most doctors now agree that while sugar might exacerbate acne, chocolate alone doesn’t cause breakouts.
The Five-Second Rule Is Accurate
This commonly cited “rule” might make teachers’ lives easier, but the reality is bacteria can contaminate food almost instantly, not just after a few seconds on the floor.
Coffee Stunts Your Growth
Parents may still disapprove of kids consuming caffeine, but there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that coffee affects growth.
Sugar Causes Hyperactivity in Children
The early notion that sugar leads to hyperactivity came from a letter to the American Academy of Pediatrics, but research has failed to demonstrate any direct link.
Dogs Are Colorblind
Dogs do see colors differently than humans, but they are not actually colorblind. They can see blues and greens and have superior night vision compared to humans.
Dropping a Penny from the Empire State Building Could Kill a Passerby
This fun fact has been used in physics classes, but the truth is, a penny falling from the Empire State Building won’t have fatal results; it would most likely just cause a serious bruise.
