Former indignant first-graders may be glad to know that in my new lesson plan (not for an actual lesson, just for homework, but still!) I have included the following assessment questions:
Children just learning about addition and subtraction are often told that they can't subtract a larger number from a smaller one. Why? Sometimes these children have already learned outside of class about negative numbers. How would you explain, as simply as possible, to these children why their teacher is apparently lying to them?
Wow. Today I was told I'd be getting unexpected additional help on a big photo research component of my current project, and just got informed of a 5.5% raise. I may have woken up on Bizarro World today, and am dubious about going back to sleep tonight lest I awaken back in the usual one tomorrow.
How would you explain, as simply as possible, to these children why their teacher is apparently lying to them?
Instead of telling them it can't be done, how 'bout telling them, "We're just not going to do that now."
Oh, that last one could be it, sumi. Or maybe she hasn't thought it through and is hoping no one will count right.
Go, Matt! I decree more days like this for you!
Well, if you are dealing with objects (say fruit), then it is hard to take away a bigger number from a smaller number. If I have five apples and take away seven apples, what do I have? I guess I could have two anti-apples, but antimatter apples are difficult to find and even more difficult to keep. Of course these negative fruit story problems really get difficult with adding negative numbers.
If Jimmy has an apple and adds a negative apple, how many apples does Jimmy have. Answer: The answer is moot as Jimmy has been vaporized.
If Jimmy has an apple and adds a negative apple, how many apples does Jimmy have. Answer: The answer is moot as Jimmy has been vaporized.
Only if there's been a failure of the apple anitmatter containment field. Or a warp core breach.
Oh, I know - tell the kids that since negative numbers aren't "real," they are the devil's work, and using them will get you sent to hell.
(I'm not using "real" in the mathematical sense.)
For all that is good and holy, why can't the DC DMV get their freakin' act together?
Yesterday I had to go and get a duplicate registration for one vehicle that was never mailed out back in February (and the client JUST let us know), and now I get a phone call that sends me back to the soul-sucking place. Someone dropped the ball and I have to clean up their mess--renew 3 registrations and get a duplicate for another. This is not a productive use of my time people.
If I come back wearing leather pants, someone promise to stake me....
Do ya think Rove got Uncle Phillip headslapped by Dubya?
