Home Economics in Secondary Schools
Home economics, also known as Family and Consumer Science, prepares secondary students for adult roles. Students are taught to be productive family and community members by learning how to manage their resources, becoming educated consumers and developing the skills needed to meet the challenges of working and living in a diverse global society. Additionally, the academic and technical skills learned in a variety of areas provide a pathway for future careers, such as in food sciences, consumer services and interior design.
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Nutrition
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Secondary students can become familiar with the food pyramid and learn how to select nutritious foods. Students are expected to understand how a proper diet helps with weight gain or loss and how it can play a role in health-related diseases. Projects include creating a Food Pyramid chart and an anticancer diagram. Other topics cover fast food facts and food with related nutrition information.
Food Preparation and Safety Precautions
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Students learn the proper techniques in food safety and kitchen sanitation in their home economics classes. The students are expected to read and follow directions when using a recipe. Lab work includes preparation of a number of foods such as yeast breads and quick breads, pasta, vegetables, fried rice and other food choices depending on time. The students are expected to demonstrate proper table setting procedures and the ability to work cooperatively in a lab group. For homework the students are expected to prepare an entire meal. Additionally, the students are expected to understand the rules of fire safety in the kitchen though teacher-led discussions and possibly a guest speaker from the fire department.
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Sewing
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Each student learns the basics of machine sewing and further improves on the skills in the next grade. The students learn how to stitch on paper, thread a sewing machine, sew a 68-inch seam and follow written instructions. Sewing projects for the sixth grade student may include a fleece patchwork pillow and a fleece neck pillow. Projects for the seventh grade student may include a pillowcase cover and a beanbag frog.
Laundry
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Secondary students learn the skills necessary to complete a load of laundry. This includes preparation, such as checking pockets, and pretreating stains. Students are taught how to choose the correct washer temperature and dryer settings, how to measure soap powder and the importance of immediately hanging or folding clothes after the drying process. For homework, students are expected to wash and dry loads of laundry and complete a written test.
Child Development
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Child development topics for secondary students include learning about the normal stages of development for babies, young children and school-age children. Other topics may include babysitting responsibilities and the value of family fun.
Consumer Services
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Students are taught the importance of understanding the use of credit, budget planning, consumer rights and financial responsibilities. Students in this course can further their studies in financial planning, credit counseling and other types of consumer services. As a career pathway, related activities include internships, apprenticeships, shadowing and cooperative education options.
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References
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