This from my email. Funny, yet sadly true...
> Last week I purchased a burger at McDonald's for $2.58. As the counter girl
> took my $3, I was digging through my change, pulled 8 cents from my pocket and
> gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while
> staring at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to
> tell her to just give me two quarters as change, but she hailed the manager
> for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she just stood
> there; then broke down and cried. Why do I tell you this? Because of the
> evolution in teaching math since the 1950's:
>
>
> 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 environment, 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 hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100.
> El costo de la! producción es $80.
>
|