Family & Consumer Sciences

Administrator:    Jamie Sullivan  | (315)-218-2118    | Department Chair NSJHS: Danielle Todisco | Department Chair CNS: Pam Woznica 

Family and Consumer Sciences Education empowers individuals and families across the lifespan to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse global society. A CTE FACS Endorsement can be earned by meeting the program requirements for coursework and work based experience.

For more information please visit the CTE FACS Course Brochure

Courses (Clothing and Housing):

FASHION IN OUR LIVES

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grade 9      |  Course Number: 0203J

Clothing and Textile Core

If you are creative, fashion conscious, and enjoy constructing items by hand and machine, this is the course for you. Explore your own personal clothing style as you select and construct a garment and several accessories. Discover how the past influences the present trends in fashion. 

Students will: 

● Collaborate with others to study contemporary designers

● Investigate the cultural, social, and economic influences on clothing uses and styles

● Develop basic knowledge of sewing terminology, equipment, and basic clothing construction skills

● Demonstrate the ability to read and follow directions while constructing four to five sewing projects

No prior sewing experience required.

HOUSING AND INTERIOR DESIGN

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grade 9      |  Course Number: 0204J

Explore some of the dimensions of architecture and interior decorating in this introductory course. If you are a person who enjoys working with colors, rearranging furniture and choosing accessories for your own space, this is the course for you. 

Students will: 

● Develop knowledge of housing styles, roof designs, and window styles and treatments

● Identify and create room color schemes

● Design floor plans for individual living spaces

● Create four to five accessory items for use in a home environment

● Demonstrate skills learned by designing and furnishing a teen’s bedroom

No prior sewing experience required.

CLOTHING PRODUCTION (FASH-1300)

40 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0226A 

This hands-on program is designed for students interested in the practical aspects of fashion, focusing on garment construction and the skills necessary to bring designs to life. From understanding fabrics to mastering sewing techniques, students will gain the confidence and expertise needed to produce high quality clothing. 

Students will: 

● Learn patterns, fabric, construction techniques and equipment

● Practice and develop construction skills and techniques

● Create upcycled textile & craft products

● Identify your personal classic style

● Learn the basics of quilting and design an accessory

● Demonstrate basic skills of pattern selection, alteration and layout

● Construct garments with woven & knit stretch fabrics

● Explore the career opportunities related to clothing construction

● Develop an electronic portfolio for future use

No prior sewing experience required.

FASHION DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0227

This dynamic program introduces students to the essential elements of fashion, design, garment construction and the business of merchandising. Through a hands on approach, students will explore creativity, critical thinking and the industry practices while developing their unique design styles.

Students will: 

● Explore the Fundamentals of Fashion 

● Discover the Science of Fashion 

● Create Fashion Design and Illustration 

● Learn about the Fashion Marketing and Merchandising 

● Design their own Apparel Construction Line 

● Explore Global Perspective of Fashion 

● Explore Careers in Textiles, Fashion, and Apparel 

● Develop an Electronic Portfolio with student’s successful completion of this course 

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO (FASH-3110)

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0236 

This course will explore the spatial concerns of interior design such as space planning, lighting, materials, color theory, and furnishings. Each student will design a proposed residential space with a given set of technical and conceptual concerns. Students will create a set of presentation boards depicting drawings, floor plans, elevations, materials, and furniture. Interior rooms will be designed: Bedroom, living room, kitchen and other. Creativity and the need to articulate design ideas will be explored. Through a blend of theory and handson projects, students will learn to create environments to reflect their style.

Students will: 

● Investigate interior design styles & theory

● Explore and work with elements & principles of design

● Design home interiors, room by room (bedroom, bath, kitchen, living room, etc.)

● Create floor plans, wall elevations and color plans

● Projects may include making home accessories (fabric baskets, pillows, fleece blankets, microwave heat bags, wooden signs, etc.)

● Explore Interior Design Computer based drawing

●Explore how to use a cricut machine

● Portfolio development. 

No prior experience required.

HOUSING DECOR ENVIRONMENT

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12      |  Course Number: 0237

Goal: In this interactive course, students will explore various housing styles, how interior design skills are part of the process and how to design sustainable creative living spaces. through hands-on projects and collaborative activities, students will gain the skills necessary to plan and design living spaces. This Housing Decor course will introduce decorating styles for any future home as well as provide skills needed to become a home decorator.

Hands on Projects are 75% of this course. 

Course Description: Housing and Interior Environment provides students with the opportunity to study the elements required to create an attractive and functional living space. This course introduces students to the wide variety of careers in the field of housing and interiors through hands-on activities. Technology and actual sample materials are used to develop projects related to architecture and interior design. Creativity and application of the elements and principles of design are emphasized. 

The 7 Modules that will be Included in the course: 

● Explore and work with Elements of Design 

● Explore how to work with wood & textiles in the home. 

● Projects using wood will be explored (upcycle piece of furniture) 

● Projects using textiles will be explored (pillows, linens, home decor. etc.) 

● Learn about upholstery & create window treatments 

● Investigate Interior Design Styles & Theory 

● Create an Electronic Portfolio

Courses (Food and Nutrition):

FOOD AND NUTRITION FOR LIFE

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grade 9      |  Course Number: 0201J

This course provides students with basic food preparation skills and nutrition awareness. Explore culinary techniques and styles while preparing a variety of foods and meals. Investigate career opportunities in the food service industry. 

Students will: 

● Investigate the nutrients and how choice in diet can affect healthy living

● Collaborate with peers to design, prepare and serve several food products and meals

● Develop skills in basic food preparation techniques

● Demonstrate proper table setting, types of meal service and table manners

● Explore the fundamentals of general baking, pastry construction and bread making 

CULTURE AND FOODS

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grade 9      |  Course Number: 0206

This course offers you the opportunity to experience preparing and tasting foods from other cultures. Enjoy a delicious celebration of ethnic backgrounds in the exciting course. 

Students will: 

● Investigate the historical, geographical, and cultural influences on foods from several countries

● Prepare and taste foods from a variety of places around the world

● Discover how other cultures have influenced regional foods found in America

● Create several projects related to the cultures of the countries studied

FOOD FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12     |  Course Number: 0207

Students interested in feeling good and looking great for a lifetime will find this course interesting. In Food for Health and Wellness, students will relate the concepts of nutrition, diet, wellness, and exercise to good health. The content of this course will examine the role of nutrients in the body, wellness, diet related conditions, special diets, diet analysis, nutrition for athletes, exercise, the effect of food preparation techniques on diet, and careers in the field of nutrition. 

Students will: 

● Assess personal fitness and eating habits 

● Modify recipes to help meet the needs of those on special diets 

● Learn how to make more nutritious food choices 

● Create healthier versions of your favorite foods 

● Explore nutritional practices related to sports 

● Explain the importance of nutrients and eating from all food groups 

● Learn how to manage stress and maintain optimal wellness 

● Explore career opportunities related to nutrition

NUTRITION CORE

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12     |  Course Number: 0200

The class covers chunks of Nutrition as well as food related diseases, food choices, food marketing, meat alternatives and all types of food alternatives for different diet restrictions. This class is based on lectures followed up with culinary labs to explore food and food groups that will be discussed. The class will cover the “6” basic nutrients. 

Students will: 

● Explore the influences on food choices 

● Apply nutrition principles to food labs 

● Practice Servsafe food safety and sanitation 

● Learn about the foundations of food production 

● Prepare fruits and fruit products in labs 

● Prepare vegetables and vegetable products labs 

● Prepare milk and milk products labs 

● Prepare meat and meat alternatives labs 

● Explore meal management and preparation 

● Explore food product marketing 

● Learn food services and proper etiquette 

● Explore career pathways in food and nutrition

FOOD PREPARATION

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12     |  Course Number: 0205

This class is a culinary class. We explore all aspects of food preparation starting with the history of food preparation, food techniques and skills, menu preparation for nutritional needs exploring vegetarian options, incorporating foods into a menu for people with food allergies and other dietary concerns. We also do facility design and management through a food truck lesson that covers several business and career aspects of the food truck industry like food costing, marketing and advertising and menu design. The class also covers current food issues like food waste and the production of food; understanding where our food supply comes from. 

Students will: 

● Explore the history of food preparation 

● Learn food preparation for nutritional needs 

● Explain current food issues 

● Learn about the facility design & management 

● Use skills and techniques of food preparation 

● Practice Servsafe food safety and sanitation procedures required in food service industry 

● Prepare various menu & meal style food labs

● Explore careers in food preparation and nutrition

FOOD SCIENCE

20 Weeks |  1/2 Science Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12     |  Course Number: 0222

Science of Food is designed to reinforce and enhance the student’s knowledge of scientific principles and processes through the study of foods and nutrition. This class encourages students to use their knowledge of foods, science and creativity to develop food experiments to discover how science affects the foods we eat. An in-depth understanding of science as it applies to foods will assist students with interest in career and technical education, to understand the food industry as well as food preparation in their daily lives. Whenever possible, students should be involved in hands-on laboratory activities which verify the scientific concepts presented. 

Students upon passing this course will receive a ½ credit of Science. 

Students will: 

● Learn Food Science and its relevance to global society 

● Research practices in food science 

● Explore concepts of physical sciences relevant to food science

● Explore the food biochemistry of water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals 

● Learn about food preservation & food safety 

● Learn about the future of our food through technology & science 

● Prepare food science labs 

● Practice Servsafe food safety and sanitation procedures required in food service industry 

● Explore food industry careers

THE SCIENCE OF BAKING

20 Weeks |  1/2 Science Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12     |  Course Number: 0234

This course is for students with an interest in enriching their math and science skills, while learning the science of baking. Students will learn how the molecular structure of ingredients affects the resulting product. Along with the fundamentals of the science behind baking including, dough, quick breads, pies, cakes, cookies, tarts and basic items made in a bakery. Topics include baking technology; tool and science based measuring equipment, formula conversions, functions of ingredients, and the use of proper flours. Students will also use percentages, fractions, ratios and the metric system to create and bake recipes. 

Students upon passing this course will receive a ½ credit of Science. 

Students will: 

● Learn Food Science and its Relevance to Baking 

● Learn the fundamental skills necessary to become a successful baker 

● Learn by baking is a science 

● Explore concepts of physical sciences relevant to science of baking 

● Explore the food biochemistry of flour, sugar, eggs and leavening agents 

● Learn how ingredients interact with each other 

● Learn about food preservation & food safety 

● Learn about the future of our food through technology & science 

● Prepare science of baking labs 

● Practice Servsafe food safety and sanitation procedures required in food science industry 

● Explore food industry baking careers

HOSPITALITY & PASTRY ARTS

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12     |  Course Number: 0201

This course is designed to introduce students to the various aspects of the Hospitality Industry including food, travel, tourism, recreation, and lodging with its main focus on the field of Pastry Arts. Students will gain experience in food presentation, planning themed events, preparing food, customer service, menu development, food safety and sanitation, as well as careers within the industry. 

Students will: 

● Explore the hospitality industry 

● Focus on food presentation to create visually appealing foods and desserts 

● Plan and prepare themed foods and events 

● Explore areas in starting a home business including item pricing, website and logo design, advertising, and menu development 

● Participate in menu planning 

● Practice food safety and sanitation procedures

FARM TO FORK ENTREPRENEURSHIP

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12     |  Course Number: 0238

Discover the journey of food from the farm to your plate in our Farm to Fork course! This hands-on program immerses students in sustainable agricultural practices, cultinary techniques and the importance of local food systems. Students will learn about growing, harvesting and preparing fresh ingredients in numerous food labs. This course is ideal for students looking to learn more about careers in the food industry. 

Students will: 

● Build Leadership skills in the “Farm to Fork” course 

● Experience learning through Agricultural Food Supply Global concerns 

● Learn to preserve Fruits & Vegetables through group hands-on labs 

● Learn the importance of maintaining a safe food supply 

● Explore the Future of Food Supply 

● Explore career/ entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of Agriculture 

● Develop and plan a sound entrepreneur business plan through Agriculture

● Learn to make jams, pickles, homemade sauce, muffins, garlic mashed potatoes and more

Courses (Human Service and Family Studies):

LIFESPAN STUDIES

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grade 9    |  Course Number: 0202J

Lifespan Studies is a class designed to help students understand the dynamics of relationships in the home, school, community and workplace. In this course the student will develop a skill set which will allow them to create positive relationships in these areas. A positive relationship with others plays a major role in an individual’s happiness throughout life. By exploring the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development that occurs over a lifespan, you will have a better understanding of how to relate to people of any age. 

Students will: 

● Study the human lifespan from birth through old age

● Explore the effects of heredity, environment and personal behavior on various stages of development

● Examine the diverse forms of the family unit and its functions

● Experience parenting an infant using a baby simulator

● Research current adolescent issues

CAREERS IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12    |  Course Number: 0202

Explore the diverse and rewarding fields of health and human services in this course. Designed for students interested in pursuing careers that promote health, well-being and community support. This course offers an overview of various professions, key concepts and practical skills essential for success in this career field. 

Students will: 

● Prepare a resume and cover letter

● Practice interviewing techniques

● Participate in collaborative activities to industrialized health and human service agencies in the community

● Become aware of a variety of Health and Human Service professions through guest speaker presentations and research

● Develop communication, listening and self-assessment skills through activities

● Explore Health and Human Service Career paths

● Understand the concept of empathy as it relates to future career and community needs

INFANT DEVELOPMENT

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12    |  Course Number: 0229

This course explores the many factors related to the health and welfare of children from conception to one year. Recommended for students who are interested in a career in the fields of childcare, psychology, social work, health care, medicine, or education, or who wish to develop babysitting skills or parenting skills for the future. Course topics may include: evaluating readiness to become a parent, issues in parenting, pregnancy, prenatal care, labor and delivery, newborn care, and the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of infants. Students will also have a chance to utilize a baby simulator. 

Students will: 

● Learn how infants grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually 

● Discuss issues in parenting and teen pregnancy 

● Explore topics such as pregnancy, labor and delivery, and newborn care 

● Learn about the financial requirements of starting a family as well as what is needed to bring a baby home 

● Participate in group discussions of various topics 

● Discuss ways to keep a baby healthy and safe

PRESCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12    |  Course Number: 0230

Study the child from 1 to 5 years of age. Skills in working with preschoolers are developed through discussions, films and experiences with children in the classroom. Recommended for males and females interested in a career in the fields of psychology, social work, health care, medicine, education, childcare or wish to develop parenting skills for the future. 

Students will: 

● Learn how preschoolers grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually

● Write and illustrate a children’s book

● Design and plan preschool environments

● Prepare and present healthy snacks for preschoolers

● Participate in the planning and presenting a “play day” for toddlers and/ or a “story day” for preschool age children

● Complete several projects related to the development of preschoolers

This class is a prerequisite to Preschool Education Experience.

PRESCHOOL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

20 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12    |  Course Number: 0219

Prerequisite: Preschool Development with a passing grade. Students may also be required to get a TB text which is required by law for all childcare workers.

Do you like working with children ages 3-5 years? Are you considering a career in childcare or early childhood education? Find out if you have the personality and energy level needed to supervise and teach young children through hands-on experience as you work under the direction of a classroom teacher. 

Students will: 

● Practice observation skills by observing preschool age children

● Identify qualities and skills needed by early childhood professionals

● Review growth and development of children ages 3-5

● Intern as a “student assistant” in a child care center, nursery school, or Pre-K classroom

● Plan, prepare and present a variety of develop-mentally appropriate activities under the direction of a classroom teacher

● Prepare a personal portfolio for future employment or college

SCHOOL-AGE DEVELOPMENT

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12    |  Course Number: 0231

This course provides an in-depth study of children from the age of six through twelve and is recommended for students who are interested in the fields of education, psychology, social work, health care, medicine, counseling, and childcare, or who wish to develop parenting skills for the future. Course topics may include the physical, intellectual, social-emotional, and moral development of children, psychological theories and current issues as they apply to the school-aged child, age appropriate activities and games, health and safety, children with special needs, as well as other issues relating to children. Strategies and skills for working with this age group will be discussed and applied. This class is a prerequisite for School-Age Education Experience (SAEE). 

Students will:

● Learn how school-aged children grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally, morally, and intellectually 

● Discuss issues relating to the school-aged child including childhood diseases, children with special needs, abuse and neglect, bullying, and coping with challenges 

● Explore child development theorists 

● Participate in group discussions of various topics 

● Discuss ways to keep a child healthy and safe

SCHOOL-AGE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

20 Weeks |  1 Credit |     Grades 11, 12    |  Course Number: 0220

Prerequisite: School-Age Development with a passing grade. 

This hands on program is designed for students interested in working with children in school settings. You will be assigned to one of our districts elementary classrooms to practice classroom instruction and to experience how students learn the fundamentals of school. By taking this course you get to find out through your placement what teaching is all about.

Students will: 

● Practice observation skills by observing children in an elementary classroom

● Identify qualities and skills needed by teachers and other human service workers and compare them to their own

● Review growth and development of children ages 6-12

● Intern as a “student assistant” in an elementary or middle school classroom

● Plan, prepare and present a variety of activities and lessons that meet the NYS Learning Standards under the direction of a classroom teacher

● Prepare a personal portfolio for future employment or college

ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12    |  Course Number: 0232

Dive into what makes a teenager unique and what transforms you into a successful person. This engaging course focuses on the physical, emotional, social and cognitive changes that occur during the teenage years. Students will explore various developmental stages and theories to gain insight into the challenges and opportunities that shape adolescent identity and behavior.

Students will: 

● Study the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of the adolescent 

● Improve communication skills by participating in “Discussion Days” and focus on issues important to teens

● Complete a “Teens Through the Decades” project

● Investigate their own personality and characteristics

● Explore psychological theories related to adolescence

ADULT DEVELOPMENT

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12    |  Course Number: 0233

Explore the fascinating journey of human growth and development in adulthood. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the physical, emotional, social and cognitive changes that occur throughout adulthood. Students will examine various theories of development and the factors influencing adult life stages, including relationships, careers  and personal growth.

Students will:

● Examine the SEL development that occurs as we all age

● Create products that meet the needs of adults throughout the lifespan

● Develop cognitive, social and communication skills in “game day” activities to help understand adult life

● Make meaningful life choices to help ensure a meaningful life style

● Develop satisfying interpersonal relationships 

● Understand and care for children & family members 

● Meet personal nutrition needs through meal planning and preparation 

● Manage food, house and home resources 

● Maintain good health 

● Make clothing and textile selections & laundry care 

● Learning how to integrate technology for online bill pay

● Understanding how insurance works (home, car, health) 

● Homeowner maintenance & ways to care for a house properly 

● Budget managing & and how to stay out of debt 

● Understanding taxes (to include payroll, local, property, and federal)

INDEPENDENT LIVING

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades 10, 11, 12    |  Course Number: 0215

Independent Living is a course designed to help students understand the importance of developing skills they will use throughout their lives. Students will build personal financial literacy skills, learn career success basics, and refine decision making and critical thinking skills for their lives as consumers in an ever-changing economy.

Students will:

● Learn about the transition from living with their family to living on their own

● Explore their interests and goals to help make career choices 

● Discuss post high school education and training options

● Utilize a budget to find an apartment and transportation 

● Discuss food safety, sanitation, and nutrition in order to prepare a balanced meal Explore banking and budgeting topics 

● Sew buttons to be able to make simple clothing repairs 

● Learn about community and financial responsibility

● Explore banking and budgeting topic

FOUNDATIONS FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER SUCCESS

20 Weeks |  1/2 Credit |     Grades  11, 12    |  Course Number: 0235

OCC 1 Credit.

This course will introduce students to methods of career planning and strategies for college/ career success. Students are required to investigate an advanced level of understanding and practice used in their personal field of interest. At the center of this course, students will prepare for Next Generation Skills (21 st Century), as well as College and Career Readiness. 

Students will:

● Become more effective and efficient learners through practice of higher level thinking skills

● Develop and practice skills for individual learning strategies, e.g. test taking, and note taking

● Learn about college expectations, using many proven strategies for creating academic, professional and personal success

● Achieve success in college and in life by following the eight principles: personal responsibility, self-motivation, self-management, interdependence, self-awareness, life-long learning, emotional intelligence and belief in self

● Explore college and workplace expectations, using many proven strategies for creating academic, professional and personal success

● Prepare a vision statement for your individual project exploration

● Establish a community connection to a professional advisor/ mentor

● Prepare a set of self-directed goals and steps to follow towards a culminating learning activity

● Development of a portfolio and culminating presentation to an authentic audience