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qayak
7th May 2011, 02:40 PM
I thought this was quite funny. Probably quite old but I hadn't seen it before. Enjoy . . . or if you feel offended for any reason, don't. Weep if you must. :D

Fifty Years of Math 1950 -2000 In Canada

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. 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 2000s

If you have special needs or just feel you need assistance because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, childhood memories, criminal background, then don't answer and the correct answer will be provided for you. There are no wrong answers.

ProBonoShill
7th May 2011, 03:00 PM
I enjoyed it, but think it could be applicable to many places, not just here.

What makes it Canadian?

DallasDad
7th May 2011, 04:27 PM
You missed a feature. Number 5.5 should be "Work in a small group to discover an answer that doesn't make anyone feel left out."

RPG Advocate
7th May 2011, 05:35 PM
The original source is a chain email, so high lulz level, but low credibility level. It's doubtful that there's actually been any significant change in the difficulty level of math education in the last 50 years.

qayak
7th May 2011, 11:12 PM
The original source is a chain email, so high lulz level, but low credibility level. It's doubtful that there's actually been any significant change in the difficulty level of math education in the last 50 years.

"I thought this was quite funny." Not "true" but "funny." A subtle but important difference. :D

epepke
8th May 2011, 12:28 AM
I enjoyed it, but think it could be applicable to many places, not just here.

What makes it Canadian?

It's a meta-joke, in response to Rick Mercer. What makes it funny is how serious Canadians get about it.

marplots
8th May 2011, 12:41 AM
Math in the 2100's

Trees used to grow wild. People cut them all down. What's 4/5ths of nada?