Mt. Baker Crater

This photo shows the south slope of mt. baker near the top of the mountain. Close to the center of the photo is where the steam is often spotted. Some days it can be seen even from Lynden. A reminder that it's a dormant volcano waiting for it's day. There was a small steam cloud visible this particular day, but it's hard to see in the photo.

Artist Point Hike

The hill Ethan (not my brother Ethan) sit-snow-surfed. I thought he was crazy! Enlarge it and you'll see a track down the hill in the left of the photo. It's quite a steep slope.


Off to....
The group...

I was just wishing I had hiked up with my snowboard. It would have been much easier boarding the whole way down rather than walking it! Next time! The roads and hills were being groomed that day for the Ski-2-Sea event, so that would have been perfect!!

Today's math - do you count?

Last week I purchased a combo at Burger King for $3.58. The counter girl took my $4.00 and 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:

Teaching Math In 1950
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1960
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?

Teaching Math In 1970 A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980
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.

Teaching Math In 1990
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.)

Teaching Math In 2005
Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100. El cuesto de la produccion era $80. Cuantos tortillas se puede comprar?