How the No. 2 pencil became a uniquely American school supply staple
Summary
The No. 2 pencil, a common school supply in America, became iconic due to American innovations like the yellow paint and attached eraser. While most schools now use digital devices, many are returning to paper tests with No. 2 pencils to prevent cheating and reduce screen time.Key Facts
- The No. 2 pencil is a staple in American schools for writing and taking tests.
- The pencil’s yellow color and eraser on top were American inventions.
- Before the mid-1800s, American pencils did not have erasers, unlike pencils elsewhere.
- Henry David Thoreau’s father helped develop the pencil grading system; No. 2 balances darkness and smudging.
- The "lead" in pencils is actually graphite, not metal lead.
- The metal piece that holds the eraser is called a ferrule and has been used for over 100 years except during World War II.
- Increased use of technology in schools has reduced pencil use, but paper tests are returning because of concerns about cheating and screen fatigue.
- The No. 2 pencil is seen as a symbol of democracy, used by people from all backgrounds.
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