1958 - 2008 / 50 years of math:
Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $2.58
The counter-girl took my $3. & I was digging for my change
when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket & gave it to her.
She stood there, holding the nickel & 3 pennies, while
looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her dis-
comfort & 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 & cried.
Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in
teaching math since 1958:
1. Teaching math In 1958
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 1968
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 1978
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is $80.
Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1988
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is $80 & his profit is $20.
Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1998
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he
is selfish & inconsiderate & cares nothing for the
habitat of animals or the preservation of our wood-
lands. 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 & squirrels feel as the
logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong
answers, & if you feel like crying, it's okay.
6. Teaching Math In 2008
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100.
El costo de la producciones es $80.
Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $2.58
The counter-girl took my $3. & I was digging for my change
when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket & gave it to her.
She stood there, holding the nickel & 3 pennies, while
looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her dis-
comfort & 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 & cried.
Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in
teaching math since 1958:
1. Teaching math In 1958
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 1968
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 1978
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is $80.
Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1988
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is $80 & his profit is $20.
Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1998
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he
is selfish & inconsiderate & cares nothing for the
habitat of animals or the preservation of our wood-
lands. 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 & squirrels feel as the
logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong
answers, & if you feel like crying, it's okay.
6. Teaching Math In 2008
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100.
El costo de la producciones es $80.
Cuanto dinero ha hecho?