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Sep. 9, 2007
Ouch! Do you see any truth in this email forward?
Subject: Math
 Last week I purchased a burger and fries at McDonalds 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
1960s...
Teaching Math In 1960
 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 1970
 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 1980
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is
$80. Did he make a profit?
Teaching Math In 1990
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 2000
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 2007
 Un ranchero vende una carga de madera para $100. El costo de la produccion
era $80. Cuantos tortillas se puede comprar?
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Sep. 9, 2007 - Sigh
As for the rest of the goofy email, heaven forbid our children should learn a foreign language! A high percentage of the rest of the world is multilingual, but Americans are too self-absorbed to bother. I'm tired of people blaming "the system," but doing nothing positive to make a change.