Paint Estimation Lab


Lab Description
🧾 Paint Estimation Lab for Construction CTE – Real-World Math & Job Planning
Bring real-world construction math to life with this interactive, auto-graded Paint Estimation Lab, designed specifically for high school CTE Construction, building trades, or applied geometry courses. Students act as junior estimators for a professional painting company and complete a full job proposal based on a new residential construction project.
They’ll work through a realistic sequence of hands-on activities—reading a floor plan, analyzing customer specifications, measuring surface areas, estimating paint, primer, labor, and materials, and even writing a client proposal. Every step mimics the real planning process used by estimators and contractors in the field.
This lab builds blueprint reading, surface area calculation, cost estimation, and construction literacy, all aligned to skills used on real job sites. Great for teaching practical math, visual problem-solving, and job-site planning.
Students Will:
- Read floor plans and customer specs
- Measure rooms using grid-based layouts
- Calculate wall, ceiling, and baseboard paint needs
- Estimate primer and paint by surface type and finish
- Plan labor based on crew size and productivity
- Create a professional job proposal with profit margin
- Reflect and write a summary letter to the “client”
Auto-Graded + Teacher Console
- All activities are auto-graded for immediate student feedback
- Includes a real-time teacher dashboard to track progress, spot errors, and support students instantly
- Reduces grading time while promoting independent, standards-based learning
Ideal For:
- High School CTE Construction and Architecture Pathways
- Painting, Drywall, and Estimating Modules in Trade Schools
- Applied Geometry or Construction Math classes
- Project-based learning, simulations, and certification prep (e.g., NCCER)
This is a fully scaffolded, plug-and-play project that turns classroom math into career-ready skills—without the grading load.
Let students build confidence, accuracy, and professionalism one estimate at a time.
