14 “Facts” We Learned in School That Turned Out to Be Totally Wrong
These school-taught “facts” stuck with us for years, but most turned out to be completely false.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Some lessons from school left more of an impression than they should have. Many of us grew up believing myths that were passed off as scientific truth or historical fact. You might be surprised at how much classroom knowledge needs a serious update.
1. Chameleons Change Color to Camouflage
Charles J. Sharp on Wikimedia Commons
Chameleons do not change color just to blend into their environment. Most of the time, it is for body temperature regulation or to communicate mood or stress to other chameleons.
2. Humans Only Use 10% of Their Brains
KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels
The brain stays active even when we are asleep. Brain scans show that almost every region lights up depending on our task, emotion, or state. The myth that we only use 10% is not backed by science and oversimplifies how complex and efficient the brain really is.
3. Napoleon Was Short
Jacques-Louis David on Wikimedia Commons
Napoleon’s height was misinterpreted due to the difference between the French and English measurement systems. He was actually about average height for his time.
4. Pluto Is a Planet
NASA / Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory / Southwest Research Institute on Wikimedia Commons
Pluto was considered the ninth planet until 2006. It was reclassified as a “dwarf planet” because it does not meet all the criteria to be a full planet.
5. Thomas Crapper Invented the Toilet
Unknown photographer on Wikimedia Commons
Thomas Crapper helped popularize the flush toilet, but he did not invent it. That credit goes to Sir John Harington in the 1500s.
6. Left-Brained vs. Right-Brained People
http://www.ccnlab.net on Wikimedia Commons
The idea that people are either left-brained or right-brained is not supported by science. Both sides of the brain work together for most tasks.
7. MSG Is Bad for You
Ragesoss on Wikimedia Commons
MSG has been studied extensively and is considered safe by major health organizations. The negative stories about it have no solid scientific backing.
8. Sugar Makes Kids Hyperactive
Lauri Andler (Phantom) on Wikimedia Commons
Studies have shown that sugar does not actually cause hyperactivity in children. The belief likely comes from high-energy situations like parties, not the sugar itself.
9. Rust Causes Tetanus
Laitr Keiows on Wikimedia Commons
Tetanus is caused by a specific type of bacteria, not rust. Rusty metal can increase risk only if it introduces the bacteria into a wound.
10. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet on Wikimedia Commons
There is no real evidence that Vikings wore horned helmets into battle. The image likely came from 19th-century operas and costume designers, not actual history.
11. You Need to Wait 24 Hours to File a Missing Person Report
Ron Lach on Wikimedia Commons
There is no legal requirement to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing. In fact, acting quickly can be crucial in finding someone safely.
12. Goldfish Have a 3-Second Memory
James St. John on Wikimedia Commons
Goldfish can actually remember things for months. They can even be trained to recognize sounds and complete simple tasks.
13. Bulls Hate the Color Red
Горбунова М.С. on Wikimedia Commons
Bulls are colorblind to red; they react to movement, not color. The motion of the cape is what provokes them during bullfights.
14. Einstein Failed Math
Orren Jack Turner on Wikimedia Commons
Einstein actually excelled at math from a young age. The myth likely started from a misunderstanding of how his school reported grades.