Abandoning Algebra Is Not the Answer

[RC]

70. The problem is Math is taught in a vacuum in our schools.

Each problem is self contained. We need to start in Kindergarten with applied math. Math applied to the real world. There is no real reason why we cannot.

I used to teach a high school electronics course that was articulated into the local collage electronics course.
One day as I was explaining a complex looking problem on the white board, I noticed the room was lighting up. (I had my back to the class, it was that obvious.)
It turned out most of the class had had the same problem in algebra that morning and none of them had understood it. The reason? They were just given a math problems in isolation and had no idea how it might apply in any way to the real world. What did all those letters stand for anyway?
When I presented the same problem in my class, it was tied to instantaneous charge/discharge voltages of a capacitor. I also presented it as something impressive to wow their friends, as was actually easy, despite the way it looked, if a little tedious to work through.

After class, I called and talked to the algebra teacher and she told me she had to teach algebra the way she did. They would not let her teach it as applied algebra. She could see the problem too, but her hands were tied.

For an idea what was involved
http://www.insula.com.au/physics/1221/L10.html
I don't remember the actual formula, but this is similar.