The room - Functional Maths challenge

Submitted by Linda M Hoole on Mon, 2011-12-19 20:11

Numeracy: Functional Maths - measures, shape, money, MSS1/L1.11, MSS1/L1.8, MSS1/L1.9, N1/L1.10, MSS1/L1.6, MSS1/L2.5

Context: Construction Carpentry Plumbing, Painting Decorating & DIY

Level: L1, L2

Resource type: Investigation or project, Worksheet or assignment

A scaffolded investigation created for my Level 1 numeracy group but ideal for, and fully mapped to, L1-2 Functional maths.
Part 1 involves reading a description of a room and drawing simple scale diagrams (a grid is provided) before pricing up a carpet from a discount company.
Part 2 is more complex: calculate the length of skirting board, wallpaper, paint, dado rail and door framing required.
As a further extension (not described in the resource) I gave the students a budget of £2000 and they had to furnish the room as a dining room with all the lamps, crockery, cutlery etc.
When they had researched that, (I had to use catalogues as we do not have ICT facilities) I gave them a 20% discount on their purchases and they had to design a menu for 6 using the discounted money.
It was a wonderful fantasy journey for them. The whole process took 4 weeks.

Physical format: 
5 pages inc. answer sheet
Resource File(s): 