Have you ever doubted what you were taught in school? Turns out, some of it might be flat-out wrong. Our world keeps changing, so it’s crucial to think hard about what we’re told. Even textbooks and teachers can sometimes get it wrong. Here, we bust 11 school facts that just don’t add up.
1. Your Tongue Has Taste Zones
Ever been told that you can only taste sweet on the tip of your tongue and bitter on the back? That’s a myth! The claim that different parts of your tongue are responsible for different tastes isn’t backed by science.
In fact, all taste buds are spread across the tongue. So, you can taste sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami on any part of your tongue.
2. Writing In Cursive Is Required Later In Life
Remember all those hours you spent practicing cursive? All those squiggly lines and calloused hands, just to make your writing look “prettier?”
Don’t worry, your boss won’t ask you to write in cursive. Your usual handwriting is perfectly fine. As long as it’s readable, it gets the job done.
3. The Food Pyramid Is An Accurate Guide To Eating
Have you ever actually eaten 6 to 11 servings of grains in a day? Or followed the food pyramid’s portion sizes of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables?
Well, it turns out that the food pyramid is biased. The Department of Agriculture wanted to get people to buy more produce, so they introduced the food pyramid in 1992 to show what a healthy diet should look like.
Eating right doesn’t have to be so complicated. Just don’t replace meals with sugary treats and sodas. Eat a balanced diet with a mix of greens and meat, and your body will get the right amount of nutrients it needs.
4. You Only Use 10% Of Your Brain
Is it true that we only use 10% of our brains? No.
Studies have found that even when we’re resting, our brains are active. And when we perform tasks like moving our fingers or speaking, our brains activate many different areas.
The evidence is clear: We always use our whole brains, just not all parts at once. If we only used 10%, the rest would shrivel up and die.
5. George Washington Had Wooden Teeth
Did you hear the myth about the first US President’s wooden teeth? It’s one of the most enduring historical myths, but it’s completely false!
George Washington had a lifetime of dental problems. By the time he became president, he only had one natural tooth left. He wore dentures for many years, but none were wooden. A letter from his dentist says that his dentures were made of ivory and gold.
6. Columbus Sailed To Prove The Earth Was Round
No, Christopher Columbus didn’t sail to prove the earth wasn’t flat.
By the late 15th century, most educated Europeans knew the Earth was round. Columbus aimed to find a new route to Asia by sailing west. He thought the globe was smaller than it is and that he could reach Japan or India in a few weeks.
7. You Won’t Always Have A Calculator To Do Math
Your teacher probably told you that you couldn’t rely on a calculator to scare you into solving equations. But that’s not true anymore.
You may not always have a physical calculator, but you can always find one on your phone, computer, or any other device with internet access. Calculators are more accessible than ever before, so don’t stress about not having one.
8. Fatty Foods Are Bad For You
Fatty foods aren’t all bad for you. Some fats—those in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds—are essential for good health. They can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and promote brain health.
9. Dinosaurs Were Cold-Blooded
Scientists used to think they were cold-blooded, and so that was taught in schools. But now we know they had fast metabolisms, bird-like respiratory systems, and grew much faster than reptiles. All of this points to one thing: dinosaurs were warm-blooded!
10. Ulcers Are Caused By Stress
Did a teacher ever tell you stress causes ulcers?
Turns out, stress makes ulcers worse, but they’re not the root cause. The real culprits? Infection with H. pylori bacteria, certain medications (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), and smoking.
11. Eating Carrots Improves Night Vision
Ever believe eating carrots can help you see better in the dark? Not true!
This myth started in World War II to explain why British pilots could shoot down German planes at night. The real reason? The pilots were using radar, but the government kept that secret.
Carrots do have vitamin A, which is good for your eyes, but they won’t help you see better in the dark. If you don’t lack vitamin A, eating more carrots won’t do anything for your eyesight.
Did any of these facts surprise you? What other myths did you learn in school that have since been debunked?
Did You Fall for These 10 Commonly Believed Myths? Science Sets the Record Straight
I recently saw this question online, “What is a popular belief that is scientifically proven wrong?”
Are you thinking of something you know now? Here are the responses that received the most upvotes.
Legal Today, Banned Tomorrow: The Shocking Future of These 11 Items
Are you prepared for a future where something currently legal becomes illegal? This intriguing question has been making rounds on the internet, and the top-voted responses are bound to leave you curious.
Check out the detailed answers to the question, “What currently legal thing do you expect to be illegal in the next 20 years?”
The 10 Biggest Lies Society Has Been Telling You For Years – Stop Believing It Now
Curious to know the common lies that people believe? I came across an interesting question on the internet: “What lie do people need to stop believing?” the responses were eye-opening.
Here are some of the top-voted ones that might surprise you.
11 Quirky Items That Confuse Non-Americans About American Homes
Behold the internet’s treasure trove of knowledge! Amidst my casual scrolling, I stumbled upon an interesting question: “non-Americans, what do you reckon resides within the four walls of every American’s home?”
As I looked into the answers, I found many interesting comments that made me even more curious. And now, I’m excited to share them with you.
14 Innocent Jokes That Somehow Became The Center Of Intense Controversy
The internet is a vast source of information. While scrolling, I came across a question about something that began as a joke but is now taken too seriously.
The top answers to this question are fascinating.
The IQ Test That Should Be Required: 15 Silent Signs of Diminished Intelligence
Have you ever wondered if there are subtle signs of low intelligence? A recent online discussion posed this question, and the responses may surprise you.
Get ready to dive into this thought-provoking topic and challenge your perceptions.
From Boomers to Gen Z: The Childhood Trends That Faded Away
I recently saw this question online, “What was common when you were young but is rare now that you’re older?”
Let’s delve into the top-voted responses, which shed light on these nostalgic elements of the past that hold significance to many.
Source: Reddit
Marga is a freelance content writer. She creates informative and engaging blog articles about entertainment, travel, and simple living.
Aside from writing, Marga’s background in psychology fuels her work in education and training, where she nurtures her love for lifelong learning.
Find all her published work on Muck Rack.