Evolution of Math

You may not be a "math person" like I am, but read this through to the end. It is interesting and pretty accurate...

Last week I purchased a value meal 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 just 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 she tried to explain the transaction to her, she started to cry.

Why am I telling you this?

Because of the evolution in the teaching of 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. Whis 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 2000 (NCLB)

A corporate logger desroys the woodlands to make a profit. Define the cost and profit of his company if you double the destroyed woodland area. Define the cost and profit of his company if you tripled the destroyed woodland area. Mark the appropriate desecrated animal habitats and create a more efficient woodland area. (If you answer this question wrong the Federal Government will come in and your teachers will all be fired and your school shut down, while the school buses you to another school 200 miles away that you will hate even more than you hate this school.)

Teaching Math in 2010

Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera por $100. El cuesto de la produccion es $80. Cuantas tortillas se puede comprar?