Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

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?

not a suprise,now days kids cant add with out the help or a computer.i can tell you one thing my daughter wont be that way.............

it is sad that alot of people can't make change. i think her employer should have made her sit at the table with a bunch of change and made different senarios, so she could learn.... oh yeah that should have been parents job when she was 8!!!! with so many kids in the classroom now kids dont get the extra help from teachers that some need.

BK, sure makes us feel good , The english language will soon be forgotten.

Yep, so sad but true.

This has always bugged me that kids can't make change. I've always said if I was a store manger if I could I would turn off the part of the computer that tells them the change until they can proof they can do it. At the local mall a guy walked into pizza place and got a drink. Did the quick change thing and before the manager stopped it the guy got out with something like $80 from the store.

Growing up in the summer months our family ran a fireworks stands. I remember the months before summer my parents working with my sisters and me on how to count money and make change.

I was in 1st grade when I started working the stands and was counting money & making change when I was in 3rd or 4th grade.

I remember years later taking a test for employment purposes and one part of the test had to do with money & making change. I remember I was told I would do well working as a cashier.

it is fun to go up to young cashiers and give them the change they just cant do it.....