For the definition and checklist, link with these sites:
National Standards Organization
National Content Standards
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.)
International Society for Technology in Education. (2000). National educational technology standards for students – Connecting curriculum and technology, pp. 114-115. Eugene, OR: Author.