Family and Consumer Science

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: All students are required to pass a minimum of one credit of Practical Art to graduate. 

• one half credit of Personal Finance

• one half credit of Practical Arts (Business, FACS, Industrial Tech)

Course Descriptions

Nutrition and Wellness

Grade: 9-12             Credit: 0.5 Practical Art      Length: Semester

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: Nutrition and Wellness is a focused concentration on the nutrients needed to promote healthy growth and maintenance of the human body. Units of study include: identifying nutrient groups, their function, and food sources; measurement skills; food preparation terms; kitchen management and safety; and the development of food preparation skills for quick breads, baked goods, dairy products, and protein-based foods. Reading food labels, shopping for and selecting recipe ingredients, and correct use of utensils and equipment to prepare food are practiced. Professional requirements of various careers and opportunities in food preparation and service are identified. All students enrolled in this course are eligible to become a member of the national, state, and local FCCLA organizations.

International Foods

Grade: 9-12             Credit: 0.5 Practical Art      Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Nutrition and Wellness          

Course Description:  This course will broaden students’ outlook on international cuisine. Students will learn the history and impact of foods around the world, cooking skills associated with the preparation and serving of international and ethnic cuisines, and the ethnic and cultural relationships to the foods studied. Students will prepare and sample foods/dishes from different cultures/countries and serve foreign meals according to each country’s customs

Child Development and Care 1

Grade: 9-12             Credit: 0.5 Practical Art      Length: Semester

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: Child Development and Care 1 is a course designated by state and local guidelines to acquaint the student with knowledge of the areas of human development and the responsibilities of planning for the primary or substitute care of young children. The dynamics of parent-child bonding, guiding development, social, emotional, financial, and intellectual experiences and considerations, and lifestyle changes are examined. A study of male and female reproductive anatomy and its relationship to pregnancy is explored. Units of study include: conception, prenatal development and care, fetal growth and development, birth defects, types of childbirth, labor and delivery, and teen pregnancy and parenting issues. Supplies for individual projects are the responsibility of the student. All students enrolled in this course are eligible to become a member of the national, state, and local FCCLA organizations.

Child Development and Care 2

Grade: 9-12             Credit: 0.5 Practical Art      Length: Semester

Prerequisite: A "C" or better in Child Development 1

Course Description: Child Development 2 focuses on developmental principles and characteristics of the young child, ages one through five. Students will analyze different types of substitute care and will study child care laws, safety, and health issues. Units of study will include: immunizations, principles of guidance and discipline, sequential developmental patterns, speech and language development, play and toys, nutrition, and developmental theories based upon well-known theorists and test developers in the area of child development. Students will develop activities which address the developmental and individual needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool age children. (Cost of individual supplies is the responsibility of the student.) Students will observe preschool age children in a formal setting. Students earning an 80% or better in this class and Child Development 1 may earn articulated college credit through St. Louis Community College. All students enrolled in this course are eligible to become a member of the national, state, and local FCCLA organizations. Career Pathway options for Child Development: Education (Teaching); Child Care; Medicine (Pediatrician); Developer of Children's toys and games; Children's Literature and illustrations; Fashion Designer for children's apparel. The Child Development Courses will be advantageous to any student planning a career in Education (teaching).

Fashion and Interior Design Fundamentals

Grade: 9-12             Credit: 0.5 Practical Art      Length: Semester

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: This course is designed for students interested in a career in fashion apparel, textiles, or interior design. You will obtain a foundation in knowledge needed for more advanced studies. This course will include: basics of physical, psychological, social and cultural reasons for how we dress and where we live, the elements and principles of design, textiles, fabric construction and selection for apparel and home use, introductory sewing skills that are applied in a variety of samples and apparel or home goods projects. Students will be introduced to Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Students must purchase their own supplies for projects. 

Fashion Design and Construction 

Grade: 9-12             Credit: 0.5 Practical Art      Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Fashion and Interior Design Fundamentals

Course Description: This course develops a more advanced knowledge and application of sewing skills. It is designed for the student interested in a career in fashion apparel, accessory design, costume design, interior design, and more. This course utilizes more advanced garment construction techniques, basic pattern making/draping, and an expansion of applied textiles knowledge. Several garments and skills examples will be constructed during the semester. Successful completion of this class provides students with an understanding of textile application and construction with an emphasis on quality. Self-initiative, motivation, time management, planning, independent work, following directions, and evaluating are crucial skills in this course in which art, communication, mathematics, science, and technology are applied.