5 Myths Schools Taught in the ’60s

The 1960s had its fair share of misconceptions taught in schools. Times have changed, and so has the knowledge we once thought was accurate. Here’s a list of five things taught in the ’60s that were proven wrong later and showed how learning evolves with time.

Pluto as a Planet 

Kids in the ’60s learned that Pluto was the ninth planet. Years later, scientists reclassified it as a dwarf planet and proved that what seemed set in stone can change. This lesson reminded everyone that science evolves as new information becomes available and changes what we consider “fact.” 

Nutrition Myths

Milk was the ultimate healthy drink in the ’60s. Teachers emphasized it as essential for strong bones, but we now know that while it provides calcium, too much dairy can have downsides, like increased saturated fat intake. Today, a more balanced diet, including plant-based sources, is recommended. Kids back then didn’t get the full story.

Brain Hemisphere Myths 

Students believed left-brained people were logical and right-brained ones creative. Modern neuroscience has debunked this oversimplified view. The brain’s functions are far more integrated than the ’60s teachings suggested. This myth lasted for decades but no longer holds up under current research.

Geography Misunderstandings 

Maps and lessons in the 1960s often portrayed Africa and Asia inaccurately, showing skewed proportions that minimized their actual size. Due to outdated projection techniques, people learned misleading facts about global land distribution, which affected how they viewed world geography. Today’s maps give a better sense of true scale.

Punishment Equals Learning 

Thankfully, schools today have evolved to use more positive reinforcement methods that focus on understanding and changing how discipline is perceived in education. Corporal punishment was once believed to instill discipline and encourage learning. However, research later found that it fostered fear and reduced academic performance.