Middle
school students (grades 6-8) use metric or standard measurements to design
their ideal bedroom. They learn
how to use a spreadsheet program to represent their mathematical problem and
how to use drawing or painting software.
When
creating their dream bedroom, the students limit their design to a
specific size and price given by the teacher.
They have to design the floor plan (including furniture placement) using
drawing, CAD, or home design software.
Students first develop the concepts of area and volume, using manipulative materials
to measure such dimensions as their rooms at home. Then, using a spreadsheet, they
explore relationships between room dimensions and
volume. Next, they design the floor
plan of their rooms using drawing or painting, CAD, or home design
software. They need to calculate how
much paint they need, floor space and floor-covering options, plus heating and
air conditioning options. The teacher
can have the students investigate these options on Internet sites that include
prices. Students enter these data
into their spreadsheets. After writing
(word processing) their description and rationale for their room design, students
use PowerPoint or
HyperStudio to create their rooms and explain the rationale to the class. (This activity meets Math Standards
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.)
