12 Things We Learned in School That Are Not True Anymore

We often accept what we learn in school as solid scientific facts, but it turns out, many of these ‘facts’ taught in classrooms are now outdated.

Witches Were Burned at the Stake

The dramatic image of witches being burned at the stake is commonly associated with the witch trials, yet this depiction is largely inaccurate. 

While burning did occur in Europe during the medieval period, the infamous Salem witch trials primarily resulted in hangings—not burnings. 

Slow Death in Salem Witch Trials

According to historian Smith, the execution method in Salem was particularly gruesome: instead of the swift end provided by a broken neck, victims were slowly strangled after being turned off a ladder—far from the instantaneous death often depicted in films. 

Pressed to Death

There was also a notable exception in the case of Giles Corey, who was pressed to death under heavy stones for refusing to plead when charged with witchcraft. This distinction highlights the varied and brutal nature of punishment during the witch trials era, challenging the simplified and often sensationalized portrayals in popular media.

Isaac Newton Was Hit in the Head With an Apple (and then Discovered Gravity)

The story of Isaac Newton discovering gravity through an apple striking his head is a common (perhaps also fun) myth, but it is far from the truth. While Newton did make his gravity breakthrough in the late 1660s, the famous apple incident is an embellishment by his admirers. 

The Real Story of Newton’s Apple

Newton was not sitting under any particular tree nor was he hit by an apple. In reality, during a visit to his mother’s garden, he observed an apple fall—not striking him, but simply dropping to the ground, which prompted his thoughts about gravity. 

The tree in question, often cited in stories, is a descendant of the original, located at his mother’s home in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire. This simplified narrative evolved into the elaborate tale known today, highlighting how legends can outpace facts.

Pluto Is a Planet

For many years, textbooks hailed Pluto as the ninth planet in our solar system. However, in August 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) downgraded the status of Pluto to that of the dwarf planet. 

This decision followed the discovery of several similar-sized objects in the Kuiper Belt, leading to a reassessment of what constitutes a planet.

Chameleons Change Color to Blend In with their Surroundings

Contrary to the popular belief often reinforced by movies like Disney’s Tangled with the amusing chameleon Pascal, chameleons don’t primarily change color to camouflage themselves. Instead, their color variations are largely driven by emotional states and social signals. 

The Science Behind Chameleon Colors

When chameleons are calm, the nanocrystals in their skin form a tight lattice that typically displays greens and browns. However, during moments of excitement—such as competing for a mate or confronting a rival—these crystals spread out, allowing brighter reds and yellows to emerge. 

These vibrant colors signal strength and can intimidate other males, often determining the outcome of confrontations before they escalate into physical altercations. 

Colors of Submission

Conversely, darker shades indicate submission, serving as a signal to potential threats that they pose no danger. This sophisticated color-changing mechanism is a way of communication within their species rather than blending into the background.

Starting Sentences with Conjunctions Is Wrong

Contrary to what many of us were taught in school, beginning a sentence with a conjunction like “and” or “but” is perfectly acceptable in English. 

While some grammar traditionalists might cringe, this practice can add variety and emphasis to your writing. It’s important to be aware of your audience, as some may still hold onto the old rule, but don’t be afraid to use conjunctions to start sentences for a more dynamic style.

We Only Use 10% of Our Brains

The idea that we only tap into a small fraction of our brain’s capacity has been a popular notion, often embellished with claims of untapped potential and extraordinary mental abilities. It even includes the myth that Albert Einstein attributed his intellectual prowess to accessing more than the usual 10% of his brain. 

However, no evidence supports these claims. In reality, scientific research demonstrates that we use virtually all parts of our brain daily. 

How Much of Our Brain Do Actually We Use?

Mila Halgren, a graduate student in a prominent neuroscience lab, confirms that our brain is not only fully utilized but also incredibly energy-intensive, consuming about 20% of our total caloric intake regardless of activity—from typing on a computer to practicing yoga. 

Even in sleep, our brain remains active, debunking the myth of a largely dormant brain waiting to be unlocked.

Deoxygenated Blood Looks Blue

It’s a common misconception that deoxygenated blood is blue. 

In truth, all blood in the human body is red. The red color comes from hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that contains iron. This iron reacts with oxygen, which maintains the blood’s red color regardless of its oxygenation levels.

George Washington Sported Wooden Teeth

It’s commonly taught that George Washington wore wooden dentures, but this is a myth. 

While dental care in the 18th century was primitive, Washington’s dentures were actually crafted from materials like lead, human and cow teeth, and ivory—not wood.

Christopher Columbus Discovered America

Christopher Columbus is often credited with discovering North America, but his explorations never brought him to its shores. Instead, his first voyage led him to the Bahamas archipelago and the island now divided into Haiti and the Dominican Republic. 

Over subsequent voyages, Columbus explored Central and South America but remained distant from what is today the United States. 

Columbus and the Misnamed Indians

After a ten-week journey across the Atlantic, the first sighting of land was made by sailor Rodrigo Bernajo, though Columbus claimed the discovery. He landed on the Bahamian island he named San Salvador, claiming it for Spain despite its Indigenous population. 

The term ‘Indians’ he used for the local people stemmed from his mistaken belief that he had reached the Indies. His journeys initiated European colonization of the ‘New World’, which would have a catastrophic impact on its native cultures.

It Takes Seven Years to Digest Chewing Gum

The belief that chewing gum takes seven years to digest is a myth. Typically, the stomach empties 30 to 120 minutes after eating, including items like gum. 

According to Duke gastroenterologist Nancy McGreal, MD, while gum base is insoluble—similar to the fiber in vegetables—it doesn’t stick to the stomach or intestinal walls. Instead, it passes through the digestive system and is expelled just like any other indigestible material. Even in individuals with digestive issues such as gastroparesis, there’s no evidence of gum lingering in the stomach for years.

Native Americans and Pilgrims Shared a Feast at the First Thanksgiving

The narrative of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a harmonious feast at the first Thanksgiving is a well-known story in American folklore. 

However, according to David Silverman, a scholar in Native American history, this portrayal is not accurate. 

Debunking Thanksgiving Myth

The traditional story of Thanksgiving, featuring turkey and pumpkin pie shared between Pilgrims and Native Americans, is more myth than fact. 

Historical records suggest that the original feast likely didn’t include these now-traditional foods, and the idea that the Pilgrims extended an invitation to the Native Americans is a simplification of the actual events. Furthermore, the celebration did not originally occur on the fourth Thursday of November. 

The Untold Story of Thanksgiving

The popular story simplifies complex interactions and often omits the tensions and consequences of such encounters. It paints a picture of mutual cooperation and learning, but the reality was likely more nuanced and less idyllic.

Earth Is the Only Planet with Water

While Earth uniquely boasts vast and visible oceans on its surface, the concept of oceans extends beyond our planet. 

Scientists have gathered compelling evidence suggesting that many celestial bodies—including moons and planets within our own solar system—harbor subsurface oceans beneath layers of ice. 

Life in Outer Space

Notable examples include Europa, a moon of Jupiter, and Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons. These subsurface oceans are thought to be salty and tidal, with potential to support life thanks to their combination of water, energy, and organic compounds. 

Exoplanets in the Habitable Zone

Beyond our solar system, the discovery of exoplanets—planets orbiting other stars—has further expanded the possibilities. Many of these exoplanets, especially those within their stars’ habitable zones, are hypothesized to contain liquid water, albeit mostly beneath their surfaces. 

This ongoing research challenges our Earth-centric view of what constitutes an “ocean” and opens up new possibilities for life in the cosmos.

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