Math
Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The
counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I
pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there,
holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on
her register.
I sensed her discomfort and told her to just give me two quarters,
but she hailed the manager for help. When he tried to explain the
transaction to her, she stood there and cried.
Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math
since the 1950s.
1. Teaching Math In 1950s:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?
2. Teaching Math In 1960s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for
$100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is
his profit?
3. Teaching Math In 1970s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for
$100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for
$100. His cost of production is $80 and, therefore, his profit is
$20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1990s: A logger cuts down a beautiful forest
because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the
habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does
this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way
of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering
the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger
was cutting down their homes? (Note: There are no wrong answers.)
6. Teaching Math In 2006: Un hachero vende una carretada de
maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Es verdad.
Muchas gracias
counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I
pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there,
holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on
her register.
I sensed her discomfort and told her to just give me two quarters,
but she hailed the manager for help. When he tried to explain the
transaction to her, she stood there and cried.
Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math
since the 1950s.
1. Teaching Math In 1950s:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?
2. Teaching Math In 1960s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for
$100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is
his profit?
3. Teaching Math In 1970s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for
$100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980s: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for
$100. His cost of production is $80 and, therefore, his profit is
$20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1990s: A logger cuts down a beautiful forest
because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the
habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does
this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way
of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering
the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger
was cutting down their homes? (Note: There are no wrong answers.)
6. Teaching Math In 2006: Un hachero vende una carretada de
maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Es verdad.
Muchas gracias
__________________
"I'll keep my money, guns and freedom. You can keep the "Change."
"I'll keep my money, guns and freedom. You can keep the "Change."



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