A little humor.. or maybe a cry slid into my inbox. I adapted it for 2014. Enjoy.

Years of Math 1950 – 2014

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 In1970s
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/inconsiderate and
cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of woodlands. He
does this to 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 2014
Johnny has 2 dogs. Jane has 8 dogs. Melissa has a frog and a balloon. Using diagrams and hash marks, show how many yo-yo’s James has. Include an essay explaining how you know that to be the answer.

Remember, there are still no wrong answers so long as you ‘dig deeper’ and ‘think critically’. Vomit or cry as needed. We will record the response you make, including the vomiting and crying, using your iPad and then sell the data to a vendor so that an appropriate course of drugs and educational interventions can recommended to you.