Family and Consumer Science

Course Descriptions

Basic Foods (1 semester)
Basic Foods is an introductory course in nutrition and foods.  The curriculum explores nutrition and how it is related to wellness.  Many opportunities are provided for learning food preparation skills, practicing basic consumer decisions that will face in the future, and actual preparation of foods from each of the Food Pyramid groups.

Introduction to Family and Consumer Science (1 semester)
This class is designed to give students a sampling of the basic areas included in Family and Consumer Science.  This is an especially good class for incoming freshman to complete before taking any other FACS class.  Basic information from all other classes taught in this program are included in this curriculum.  Topics include goal setting, relationships with family and friends, teen pregnancy and parenting, money management skills, nutrition and wellness, food preparation skills, basic clothing construction skills, and housing options. 

Introduction to Clothing (1 semester)
A learn-by-doing class, the curriculum for this course includes an introduction to fashion history, goal setting practice, sewing equipment and its safe use, wardrobe planning skills, and careers in the fashion industry.  Clothing choices and what is communicating to others though those choices will be explored.  Students will practice their new found skills by completing several projects throughout the semester.

Life Planning (1 semester)
This course allows students the opportunity to gain experience in choosing a career; using resources to manage time, money, and energy; finding a roommate and a home; maintaining healthy relationships; and setting goals.  All of these elements are involved in a life away from the student's parents and in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Parenting I (1 semester)
An overview of the child from conception to age six is provided through this curriculum.  The areas of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth and development are stressed. Childhood throughout history serve as a basis for comparison with today's child development practices.

Parenting II (1 semester)
This course is designed to assist students in making informed decisions about parenting.  The student is guided through the entire process from choosing parenthood, through pregnancy and child birth, and concluding with the basic development stages of young children.  Child care and special needs issues conclude the semester.

Balancing Family & Career
This class follows life through the procession of the life cycle, starting with the cultivation of friendships and continuing through the dating pattern followed by engagement and marriage.  The possibility of children being added to the family, the balancing act between work and the family, and methods of dealing with crises in the family structure are all evaluated.  Effective communication skills and positive decision making/problem solving skills area a focus throughout the curriculum.

Nutrition and Wellness I (1 semester)
This class will expand beyond the basic skills building practice that is taught in the other foods classes offered in the program.  A basic understanding of the factors involved in wellness and a healthy life style from birth through adulthood will be included.  Students will become aware of many facets that influence the quality of their lives across the life span.  In addition , food safety and the influence of science and technology will be explored.  Opportunities for hands-on foods labs will be included in the curriculum to reinforce the basic concepts being taught. Taught alternating years.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Basic Foods

Housing Choices (1 semester)
This course prepares the student for equipping and maintaining a living space of his/her own.  The history housing will be reviewed briefly.  Financial considerations will be covered, including ownership, rental property, subletting a living space, and leasing a home.  Design elements and principles will be used to create a pleasing living environment with some practice using student designed floor plans.  Functional and attractive furniture arrangement skills will also be practiced. Household management tasks will be planned by the student.