[HoE] Math! (was Re:[HoE] A Complete Review of HoE)

[Matthew Steflik <grifflik@stny.rr.com>]

Loki wrote (in response to Kirt Dankmyer's issue with Junker math in his
review):

> Eh. Addition, subtraction, division. High school algebra. I have to
> admit, the
> backlash against the math in the Junkers book I saw on this list got
> me
> thinking about how far the US high school education system has fallen.
> I could
> do it on paper if I wanted, tho I usually end up using a calculator to
> check
> the math. It's not much to ask to play something that can make
> permanant
> objects. Sure, it's more complicated than simple addition and
> subtraction,
> which is what's involved with most of the Pinnacle stuff, but adding
> *division* and *fractions* is not that big a jump.

Bravo, Loki - I'm with you on this!  I realize this is an old argument
folks, but it never fails to get my dander up and I need to vent.  I'm
an Elementary School teacher (U.S., but no offense taken).  I taught
remedial mathematics for grades K-6 for several years and am now
teaching 5th grade. The Junker math "given what we're used to...is very
advanced"?  Please.  Fractions and decimals are not that complicated.
No more so than basic probability and percentiles, and they're all over
the game! Heck, math is one of the great educational bonuses about
playing RPGs, second only (of course) to reading! The basics of
fractions (halves, quarters and wholes) are covered as early as
Kindergarten these days, and by 6th grade the mechanics of addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions, mixed numbers and
decimals have been taught.  From my experience, that (along with basic
reading comprehension...don't even get me started) is as hard as the
Junker math gets. Sorry if this comes off as heavy handed (no hard
feelings, folks...and I realize you probably didn't intend to make a big
deal about it, Kirt), but the whole thing just burns my biscuits black!
Harumph!

Matt Steflik
Master of Wahoo
Gimme Shelter - http://www.geocities.com/grifflik/

"Oh m'gosh! Mah biscuits is burnin'!" - Yosemite Sam