Family & Consumer Sciences

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 

In this hands-on course, you’ll dive into the world of clothing production and learn how to transform ideas and fabrics into real, wearable fashion. From understanding patterns to mastering sewing techniques, you’ll gain the skills to create stylish pieces that are all your own.

This course is perfect for creative students who love fashion, hands-on projects, and seeing their ideas come to life. Get ready to sew, create, and show off your style! 

Students will: 

● Design and plan your own garments – bring your fashion ideas to life. 

● Learn professional sewing and construction skills – from stitching to finishing touches

● Experiment with fabrics and textures – discover what works best for your creations. 

●  Upcycle and customize clothing – turn old pieces into something fresh and new. 

● Build a mini portfolio – showcase your finished designs and projects. 

No prior sewing experience required.

f you successfully complete this course, you may earn three college credits at SUNY Oneonta for a fee of $150. 

FASHION DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING

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

This is a hands-on course where you’ll explore the exciting art of designing and creating clothing and accessories. From sketching your own ideas to selecting fabrics and learning professional sewing techniques, this class gives you the tools to bring your fashion visions to life.

Whether you dream of being a fashion designer, love DIY projects, or just want a fun way to express yourself, this course is your runway to creativity. Come make, create, and strut your style!

Students will: 

● Design your own garments – turn your sketches into real-life pieces. 

● Experiment with fabrics and textures – mix and match to make unique creations. 

● Master essential sewing skills – from basic stitches to advanced techniques. 

● Upcycle and customize – give old clothing a fresh, stylish twist. 

● Showcase your style – create a mini portfolio or fashion show to display your work. 

No prior sewing experience required. 

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO (FASH-3110)

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

In this hands-on course, you’ll learn how to transform ordinary spaces into amazing interiors that reflect personality and style. From choosing colors and furniture to exploring lighting, layout, and décor, you’ll gain the skills to make any space look and feel incredible.

Whether you dream of becoming a professional interior designer or just love making spaces look amazing, this course is your chance to unleash your creativity and design the spaces of your dreams!

Students will: 

● Design your own rooms – from bedrooms to living spaces, bring your ideas to life.

● Explore color, textures, and patterns – learn how to make spaces pop. gn

● Plan layouts and furniture arrangements – create rooms that are both beautiful and practical. 

● Add your personal touch – develop your own design style and portfolio. 

● Work on fun, real-world projects – see your designs come to life! 

No prior experience required.

If you successfully complete this course, you may earn three college credits at SUNY Oneonta for a fee of $150. 

HOUSING DECOR ENVIRONMENT

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

This course lets you dive into the exciting world of housing, design, and décor! You’ll explore everything from architecture styles and floor plans to furniture arrangement, color theory, textiles, and the latest design trends.

Through hands-on projects and interactive design challenges, you’ll get to unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills to craft living spaces that are uniquely yours. Perfect for students who love interior design, home décor, or just dreaming up spaces that wow!

Students will:

● Identify architectural housing styles and influences.Analyze factors affecting housing choices and needs.
● Demonstrate understanding of design elements and principles.
● Apply color theory and textile knowledge to interiors.
● Create floor plans and furniture arrangements for function and comfort.

● Explore career opportunities in housing, design, and décor.

● Develop a final housing & décor project to showcase learning. 

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

INTRO TO FOOD PREP

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

Want to learn how to make smart food choices and have fun in the kitchen? This hands-on course dives into the world of nutrition, meal planning, and healthy eating—all while exploring delicious culinary creations.

The class covers Nutrition as well as meal planning and management, food related diseases, food choices and marketing, dining etiquette, and food alternatives. This class is based on lectures followed up with culinary labs to explore the food groups that will be discussed. The class will cover the 6 basic nutrients and MyPlate. 

Students will:

● 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 

ADVANCED FOOD PREP

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

Ready to dive into the exciting world of food? This class is a culinary class. We explore all aspects of food preparation starting with the history of food preparation, food techniques and skills, and menu preparation for nutritional needs. We also do facility design and management through a food truck project 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, along with understanding where our food supply comes from. . Get ready to cook, create, and take your food skills to the next level!

Students will:

 ● Explore the history of food preparation 

 ● Learn about nutrition basics

● Learn food preparation for nutritional needs 

● Learn about the facility design & management 

● Use skills and techniques of food preparation

● Prepare recipes using different appliances and food preparation techniques

 ● 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

Food Science is designed to reinforce and enhance the student’s knowledge of scientific principles and processes through the study of foods and nutrition. This course encourages students to use their knowledge of foods, science, and creativity to participate in 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. Students will 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 about Food Science and its relevance to the global society as well as explore career opportunities

● Review the scientific method, sensory evaluation of foods, and basic food chemistry

● Explore the topics of water, protein, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, enzymes, pH, energy, dehydration and concentration, mixtures, and separation techniques

● Participate in labs that apply what is learned in the course

● Practice food safety and sanitation procedures 

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, pies, pudding, fudge, cookies, brownies and basic items made in a bakery. Topics include baking technology, measuring, formula conversions, functions of ingredients, and the use of proper ingredients. Students will apply scientific knowledge 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 

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

● Learn how ingredients interact with each other 

● Learn about food preservation & additives

● Complete science labs through baking 

● 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 with its main focus on the field of Pastry Arts. Students will gain experience in food presentation, planning themed events, preparing food, customer service, selling food as a side business, 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, and menu development

●  Participate in popular labs including cupcake wars and flood decorated cookies

● Practice food safety and sanitation procedures 

FARM TO FORK ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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

In Farm to Fork, you’ll get hands-on with the entire food journey! From planting and harvesting to cooking and preserving, this course is all about exploring fresh, sustainable ingredients while having a blast in interactive food labs.

This course is perfect for students who love food, care about sustainability, or dream of a career in the culinary or agricultural world. Get ready to grow, create, and taste your way through the journey from farm to fork!

Students will::

● Grow and harvest fresh ingredients—get your hands dirty and see your food come to life.

● Cook and preserve—make jams, pickles, sauces, muffins, garlic mashed potatoes, and more!

● Tackle real-world food challenges—learn about sustainable agriculture and global food systems.

● Build teamwork and leadership skills—work together on exciting projects.

● Explore careers in food and agriculture—create your own agribusiness plan and imagine your future in the industry. 

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 care taking of 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. Students will also have a chance to utilize a baby simulator. 

Students will: 

● Evaluate their readiness to become a parent

● Discuss issues in parenting and teen pregnancy 

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

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

● Investigate topics including genetics, factors influencing pregnancy, birth defects, and infertility

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

● Discuss ways to keep a baby healthy and safe

● Participate in group discussions of various topics 

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 TEACHING EXPERIENCE

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

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. Strategies and skills working with this age group will be discussed and applied. This class is a prerequisite for School-Age Education Experience (SATE).

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

● Participate in school-age appropriate activities and games

● Learn and apply information related to child development theorists

● Discuss ways to keep children healthy and safe

● Participate in group discussions of various topics 

SCHOOL-AGE TEACHING EXPERIENCE

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

Prerequisite: School-Age Development with a passing grade. 

This course is for students that enjoy working with kids and want to learn about the teaching process. In this hands-on program, you’ll step right into one of our district’s elementary classrooms and get a front-row seat to how students learn and grow. You’ll practice teaching, help guide lessons, and discover the day-to-day excitement of a classroom.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a real taste of what it’s like to be a teacher—and who knows? You might just discover your passion for shaping young minds!

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

CCC FOUNDATIONS FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS (CAY101)

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

CCC 3 Credits

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