Last week I purchased a burger and fries for $3.58.
The counter girl took my $4.00 and 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, smacking her gum and rolling her eyes.
Why do I tell you this?
Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s.
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?
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?
Teaching Math In 1970:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is $80.
Did he make a profit?
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.
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.
How do you feel about 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?
Teaching Math In 2000:
A logger sells uh '64 full o' lumber fo' uh hundred bones. His cost o' making da sheeit iz 80 bones an' his coin back in da hood iz 20.
Can ya gank an uzi? an dat boil on mah ass.
Teaching Math In 2005:
Un campesiono vende una carretera de madera por $1,126.09. El costo de su produccion era $900.80.
Cuantas cervezas se puede comprar?
The counter girl took my $4.00 and 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, smacking her gum and rolling her eyes.
Why do I tell you this?
Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s.
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?
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?
Teaching Math In 1970:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is $80.
Did he make a profit?
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.
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.
How do you feel about 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?
Teaching Math In 2000:
A logger sells uh '64 full o' lumber fo' uh hundred bones. His cost o' making da sheeit iz 80 bones an' his coin back in da hood iz 20.
Can ya gank an uzi? an dat boil on mah ass.
Teaching Math In 2005:
Un campesiono vende una carretera de madera por $1,126.09. El costo de su produccion era $900.80.
Cuantas cervezas se puede comprar?