Years of Math 1959 - 2010

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 2010:
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

Oh how funny that is to be racist.

How funny is this?

Sixty years ago a guy has to cut down a whole truckload of wood to make twenty bucks.

Thanks to Ronnie Regan and a few others, sixty years later prices for everything have sky rocketed but the guy still can only make twenty bucks for a truckload of wood.

The truth behind it is what makes it so funny.

It is silly and it is funny...still there is nothing wrong with teaching children to be conscious of taking care of the planet. As a tree hugger I have no problem with that..

Geez.....

During these tough economic times in northern Michigan wood cutters must also supplement their income working for septic tank cleaners
AKA S**t Haulers.