Fifty Years of Math 1959-2009 (in the USA )

[Cyneca]

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 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s

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 1960s

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 1970s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s

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 1990s

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, and if you feel like crying, it's ok.)

6. Teaching Math In 2009

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

[Referee]

Cyn,

I simply can not understand why you are such a hate monger. Like, you're talking about this logger dude when you know that in 30 years the entire country will be destroyed by global warming and those ugly SUVs. Heck girl, Cap and Trade is the only way to fix what can't ever be fixed. So like, the only thing we need to know is how to tax the logger more so we can have free health care until the world dies.

I swear girl... every time you post it's always doom and gloom. ;)

[Cyneca]

Oh I know. Im a log racist. I hate logs. They should all be burned! Oh wait, if we keep driving non-hybrids, and use incandescent lighting, all the logs will be burned up by the suns radiation!! Ok so I am for Obummer and his wife flying around the world in separate planes! Madam Pelosi, fly as often as you wish back and forth across the country! More greenhouse gasses I say! Larger carbon foot print!! :rolleyes:

Cyn,

I simply can not understand why you are such a hate monger. Like, you're talking about this logger dude when you know that in 30 years the entire country will be destroyed by global warming and those ugly SUVs. Heck girl, Cap and Trade is the only way to fix what can't ever be fixed. So like, the only thing we need to know is how to tax the logger more so we can have free health care until the world dies.

I swear girl... every time you post it's always doom and gloom. ;)

[Lary Lemin]

? 3 and 4 look familiar I think I had them on a test once:D