Why is Blackboard Green?

Initially, the blackboards were black before the wall-sized chalkboards came into the picture. Later in the 18th-century, students began using their own mini boards made of slate or painted wood. Thus, the first blackboard was black and then later in 1800, a teacher wanted students to make maps on their boards, but they were too small.

A Scottish headmaster named James Pillans wanted his students to draw the map that could not fit in the slates, so he joined all the slates and solved the problem. This was when he got the idea of making a large board, and in 1815 the big blackboard was made.

This change of colour from black to green started in the 1960s. Numerous theories put behind it to explain why they changed it to green, such as it was easy for eyes, as students have to focus on it, so it is good to choose a colour that is easy for eyes.

The other theory behind it is that many companies started selling steel plates coated with green porcelain-based enamel instead of traditional dark slate. It was lighter and less fragile than the old ones, so they began to ship the green-coloured boards.

Also, it is substantial for you to know that whether you say it a blackboard or chalkboard, it is the same thing. The name chalkboard is mostly used in the U.S, and people started using this name in 1935.

In the 18th-century, people were still using individual slates in Europe and America. The reason behind it was that ink and paper were expensive, and slate was an economical option. It remained the same until the 1960s. The initial boards were made of slate which was grey or black in colour. Then it started coming in green colour which was made up of porcelain. The reason behind using this material was that it was durable.

There are numerous boards in today’s time that are made up of winding plastic sheet. There are rollers attached to them which eliminate the need for erasing again and again.

There are loads of benefits of the chalkboards, be it their quality, durability and effect on the eyes. Another most significant advantage is its easy availability and prices, which are very low. Also, you can set them anywhere as they are very compact.

They come in different sizes so people can choose one as per their requirement and space. Also, it helps the children learn to write, and especially whiteboards are very smooth. The next advantage is that it is easy to clean, plus chalk stays longer on the surface.

The major dislike for chalkboards is dust and that too very much. When you wipe it off, it sprays a lot of dust. People who have any allergies and respiratory ailments find it tough to breathe because of the dust. But the good part is that dust-free chalks have been invented now.

Chalkboards were first invented in America in 1801, but it is said that it was first used in Edinburgh, Scotland. Before the invention of these boards, it was very tough for teachers to explain it to them. Hence teachers would have to go to each student to explain it.

With the invention of chalkboards, it became more comfortable for them to express ideas visually.