Family Consumer Science Course Descriptions

Family and Consumer Sciences Education prepares students to engage in the work of the family by critically examining recurring concerns of the family and proactively working toward individual, family and community well being.  Our role is to prepare all students for life, work and citizenship through the unique focus on the work of the family.

LEVEL 1

1. 7^th and 8^th grade FCS – are one 9-week courses that are in interest to all teenagers.   Students explore several of the subject matter areas in Family and Consumer Sciences.  The intent is to help students take personal responsibility in and understand the breadth of the work of the family and begin to examine the interconnections to family, career and community.  “ALL-STAR” curriculum is used during the 7^th grade class. 

2.  Beginning FCS – is generally for the 9^th or 10^th grade student.  The course is

     taken for a full year or by semester. 

First Semester:  Will include the study of human development (Physical, emotional/social, and cognitive) from pre-natal through adolescence or the entire life span.  The class instructs students on how to develop positive interactions with and guiding the development of each age.

Second Semester:  Students will experience how the concepts of communication, ethics, leadership and teamwork relate to the Human Services and Resources Career Field.  Students will consider these concepts as applied to their multiple roles of family member, wage earner and citizens.  Clusters to be explored in this career field are: (1) Human Services, (2) Government & Public Administration, (3) Law, Public Safety & Security and (4) Education & Training.

1. Family Health – is a one-year required course for all freshmen.  It meets every other     

      day with physical education.  It is a comprehensive course that assists students in   

                      establishing and maintaining a lifestyle which promotes personal fitness, family health and    

                      related consumer skills. May include an examination of all aspects of health (physical, social,

                      emotional and mental), nutrition and fitness (including weight control), substance use and

                      abuse, home safety and family life education (including death and dying).

LEVEL 2 – Each of these semester classes are offered to the students each year at

                  registration time.  The classes chosen to teach are those with the largest

                  enrollment.

1. Parenting and Child Development – is a one-semester course open to all high school students.  Knowledge of children is essential for everyone.  This course includes the study of human development (Physical, mental, emotional and social) from conception through pre-school.  Major emphasis is on parenting theories and practices, providing a safe environment that optimizes development, and recognition of abuse and neglect. The students will experience caring for the “Real Care” baby over a weekend and then evaluate their experiences.   

1. Nutrition – is a one-semester course for all senior high school students.  This class provides students with knowledge and skills about food preparation, with a strong emphasis on nutrition and nutritional analysis, balanced diets, and satisfying special dietary needs.  The class includes safety and sanitation, proper use of equipment, meal planning and preparation, current food issues, the role of food in the family and global society and the demonstration of teamwork skills. A study of other food cultures is done and a demonstration and power point presentations are given. 

3.  Housing and Home Furnishings –is a one-semester course for any senior high

school student. Instruction which provides students with an understanding of the physical,   

psychological and social influences of housing; housingstyles and options, exterior and interior

design; selection, use and care of home furnishings and equipment; use of available resources

for achieving improved living space to meet individual and family needs; and, exposure to

careers related to housing and

1. Clothing and Textiles Entrepreneurship – a one-year course for all senior high school students.  This class will include instruction which provides students with an understanding of the social, psychological and physiological aspects of clothing and textiles; fabric and apparel design; selection, construction, maintenance and alteration of textile products; and, exposure to careers related to clothing and fashion design/marketing.  During the year the class will also set up a business including embroidery and possible clothing alterations and repair.  It is a course designed to introduce students to entrepreneurship as a career option. Emphasis is on entrepreneurial discovery, concept development, finding/allocating resources, basics of start-up, and future planning.

LEVEL 3

1. Adult Living – Adult Living is a one-semester course for any senior high school student.  This class includes the application of critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving skills to issues impacting adult relationships.  It includes self-understanding, establishing and maintaining positive relationships in the family and workplace, crisis management and building family strengths.  Life/work literacy concepts such as wellness across the lifespan and stress management are examined.

2.  Reality 101 - Reality 101 is a semester class that is designed using the

     multiple intelligences and an active based approach.  Educational materials in      

     the lesson plans include information sheets, PowerPoint presentations,  

     worksheets, hands-on activities, and bulletin boards.  The course is designed   

     for students in grades 9-12.

Reality 101 is a financial literacy course that provides students with the tools to take charge of their personal financial well-being and to make sound personal financial decisions.  Units of study include budgeting, credit, insurance, savings and investments, home ownership, banking and taxes.  Life/work literacy concepts such as workplace issues and community resources are examined.