Years of Math 1950 - 2010
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 tried to tell her to just give
me
two quarters , but she hailed the manager for help. While 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 his
profit is $20. Your assign me nt: 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 cut down their ho me s? (There are no wrong
answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )
6. Teaching Math In 2009
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es
$80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
7. Teaching Math In 2010
Who cares, just steal the lumber from your rich neighbor's property. He won't have a
gun to stop you, and the President says it's OK anyway because its a redistribution
of wealth.
