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August 11, 2006
Math 1950-2006
Read it all. Sad, but true.
Teaching 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 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 1950
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 1960
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 1970
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1990
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 homes? (There are no wrong answers.)
6. Teaching Math In 2006
Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la producciones es $80
Posted by Addison on August 11, 2006 10:01 PM
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Comments
Addison! good to hear from you! wow. it has been a long time. i've been doing good; working (at a coffee shop), getting ready to start college and keeping busy with vacationing and church...etc.
How have you been doing?
p.s. i like the blog. how could you be so inconsiderate of that poor soul? just kidding...
Posted by: elise at August 12, 2006 11:26 AM
It's funny how stupid people are these days. They care more about the latest fashions than they care about knowledge. Our school systems are at the level of Latvia as no doubt you've heard.
Posted by: munchkin at August 13, 2006 03:41 PM
Where in the world is Latvia? ;-)
Posted by: Addison at August 13, 2006 03:42 PM
Google it.. you can find a lot about it... like it has an area of 24,938 sq miles... compared to the US which has 3,537,441 sq miles. It's quite interesting really. Seems to be quite the tourist attraction.
Posted by: munchkin at August 14, 2006 10:25 AM
