M
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?
