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The First Reason to Public School Your Kid
Alright...so I am kidding, but this is funny, so I thought I would share it so you get to laugh at me and my public schooled kids.
Fifty Years of Math 1959 - 2009 (in the USA )
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 hache ro vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
8 comments:
Ha! That's great. I'm a product of public school myself.
I came very close to an LOL. Probably would have if people weren't standing outside my office. Very funny.
This is awesome!! Love the examples by decade, so true. :)
Ever heard of Chicago math? 1 + 1 can equal 3 as long as you can defend your answer. Goofy.
Becky...if that's true about Chicago...that is awesome...perfect for a post modern culture.
Seth,
Part of my just can't laugh. I wasn't terribly offended, but as a substitute teacher who happens to be Hispanic, I have seen where these kids end up. They can barely read in English (Hispanic and non-Hispanic alike sadly) and are only trained to pass a test. It's the sad reality of our broken system.
Frank.
I hope you weren't offended...that wasn't the purpose in any way.
I love the Hispanic community and wouldn't want that to be the purpose in any way...
I grew up with a predominately Mexican culture where most of my city were migrant workers who never left after the season was over.
The joke is funny since it's true when I was in school. The non English speaking students began to out number the English speaking students in an English speaking school, so we were taught Spanish instead of teaching those that moved here...English.
So, I have a personal attachment to the joke that just rocks my socks off and made me laugh for a good 10 mins.
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