Bill Gates, zillionaire Microsoft guy, in his Gates Notes Blog has some interesting facts regarding math class, specifically algebra; more students here flunk algebra than any other course. Studies also show that students who finish algebra by the end of ninth grade are likelier to go to college and get well-paid jobs, while those who fail it only have a one-in-five chance of finishing high school.
So why use popcorn? I assumed it was because this country’s elected officials prioritize so many things over our educational system like allowing the rampant proliferation of weapons and promoting their religious beliefs to control women’s bodies, the remaining meager budget does not allow for textbooks. So school districts opted to supply salty treats to students for them to enjoy while listening to the teacher lecture.
Actually it has more to do with an innovative and caring 8th grade algebra teacher in Chula Vista, CA, named Amilcar Fernandez. He has found ways to keep the students engaged and one lesson incudes the method of calculating volume in odd shaped popcorn packages. I’d go into more detail but I can’t because I failed Algebra III in 9th grade and made it all the way through college without another math class.
I would, however, enjoy some popcorn.