Not sure where I found this, but it was interesting. Little Mermaid, this is for you and your parents to think about while laboring over homework. Hang in there, school is almost over!
Last week I purchased a burger and fries at McDonald's 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 and cried.
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. 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.)
Teaching Math In 2005
Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera por $100.
El cuesto de la produccion es $80. Cuantas tortillas se puede
comprar?
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7 comments:
Ouch! That makes my head hurt.
Well Wicked there is a webite for these types of dicussion. Its www.ncee.net I suggest you have Little mermaid check that out.
It might also be good for congress!!!!
So funny, but so scary, cuz it's true. Math and I are NOT friends. I'm definitely of the school of thought where I would rather figure out where the squirrels are going to go after their homes are chopped down. oy!
This exact thing aggravates the hell out of me.
I remember one time in a book store waiting for a young assistant to deal with the register. By the time she had finished ringing up the total, I had already figured out the tax and had the exact amount ready. She looked at me like I was an alien (actually I am......)
Gareth: As long as your green card is in good standing, we won't hold that against you.....
I know how that girl felt, I am 26 and still don't know how to make change. My high school let me graduate not knowing this.. and everyone laughs at me when I tell them so I don't have the desire to learn.
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