The Norfolk, Virginia, Public Schools developed and implemented an innovative consumer and homemaking program for grades 6-8 based on the developmental characteristics of middle school children. This project was conducted under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act, Public Law 98-524. A committee of middle school teachers developed the model curriculum in conjunction with a curriculum specialist and an advisory committee. The new curriculum includes basic skills training, career education skills, computer skills, elimination of sex bias and stereotyping, incorporation of the needs of latchkey children, elements of family life education, standards of learning for grades 6-8, and leadership skills through membership in Future Homemakers of America (FHA). The curriculum was implemented in the 1989-90 school year with 9-week exploratory programs for sixth graders and 18-week courses for seventh and eighth graders. An FHA project developed by a student in the program won a first place ribbon. Pre- and post-evaluation surveys showed that students improved in knowledge of home economics exploration content areas and basic skills. The study concluded that the curriculum developed is a hands-on-activity package that includes all the elements specified in the project proposal. (KC)