New Math

Fifty Years of Math 1957 - 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 hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

Great Blonde Joke

A young blonde in Florida wanted to take home a pair of
genuine alligator shoes in the worst way, but was very
reluctant to pay the high prices the local vendors were asking.

After becoming very frustrated with the attitude of one of
the shopkeepers, the young Blonde declared, 'Well then,
maybe I'll just go out and catch my own alligator and
get a pair of shoes for free!

The shopkeeper said with a sly smile, 'Well little
lady, why don't you go-on and give it a try?'

The blonde headed off to the swamp, determined to catch an
alligator. Later in the day, as the shopkeeper is driving home, he spots;
the same young woman standing waist deep in the murky
water, shotgun in hand. As he brings his car to a stop, he sees a
huge 9-foot gator swimming rapidly toward her.

With lightning reflexes, the Blonde takes aim, shoots the
creature and hauls it up onto the slippery bank. Nearby were
7 more dead gators, all lying belly up. The shopkeeper stood on the bank, watching in silent amazement.

The blonde struggles mightily and manages to flip the gator
onto its back. Rolling her eyes heavenward, she screams in frustration,
'Good grief! THIS ONE'S BAREFOOT, TOO!'