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50 YEARS OF TEACHING MATH...UPDATED

By Charlie Sykes

This has been around for a while, but it's still good:

 

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 old-growth hardwood 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?
Remember, there are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's okay.

6. Teaching Math In 2007

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

Saturday, Feb 16 at 7:16 AM Jeff wrote ...

Teaching Math In 2008 in Wisconsin A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. Of the $20 profit, Jim Doyle and state government take $15 and complain that he is not paying enough to fund state government. The logger closes his business in Wisconsin and moves out of state.

Friday, Feb 15 at 8:23 AM Tuerqas wrote ...

It would have been more accurate had the spanish problem been number five repeated, not number one.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 5:38 PM Nancy wrote ...

So true! I'm an instructor. Get the government,and some of those in School Administrative postions(who assume they know what & how we should teach)out of the classroom and let the teacher teach! There's more paper being used to do less critical thinking.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 4:43 PM Sarah wrote ...

I don't entirely understand what the Spanish version of the problem adds to the overall point because at least that version is not dumbed down and is a genuine math problem. I know it's the whole official language thing but mixing the issues lessens the impact of the initial point.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 3:53 PM Tom wrote ...

Well, at least they teaching math again...

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 3:15 PM Mary wrote ...

The dumbing down of America! Is this USA anymore?

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 12:40 PM Paul wrote ...

You made me go to your blog, nice work.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 12:27 PM kurt/elkhorn wrote ...

BEWARE OF THE LEFT CALLING THIS RACIST! MIGHT OFFEND SOME FAR-LEFT EXTREMIST,BUT THEN IT IS BILINGUAL.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 12:07 PM Dave Z wrote ...

Put a smile on my face....... but also a tear in my eye. sadly not exaggerated at all

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 11:45 AM Josh wrote ...

Probably overly cynical and exaggerated, but humorous nonetheless.

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