Vernon in Virginia~Formerly Alaska
New member
Fifty Years of Math
1957 - 2007
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 1950's:
1. Teaching Math In 1950's
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's
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's
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's
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's
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish,
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, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )
6. Teaching Math In 2007
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la
producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
1957 - 2007
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 1950's:
1. Teaching Math In 1950's
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's
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's
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's
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's
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish,
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, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )
6. Teaching Math In 2007
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la
producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?