Below are the family and consumer sciences courses for 2011-2012. The entire Central High School Program of Studies is available for download.
Culinary Arts
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is designed to acquaint the student with basic kitchen skills and knowledge of food. Convenience foods as well as conventional foods will be emphasized in this course. Other topics include equipment selection, kitchen organization, table appointments, kitchen safety, the food pyramid, meal planning and the three basic meals. Desserts, entertaining, and career opportunities round out the course. There will be extensive food preparation based on the food guide pyramid.
American Cuisine
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is designed to provide a gastronomic tour of America, through the preparation and study of the foods that have been a part of our heritage. The stories behind the food events and regional cooking of our country will be explored to give a unique picture of America ? the story of America's cuisine. A dessert smorgasbord provides an opportunity for students to entertain. Students will prepare complete meals from each area of the United States that is studied in addition to many more foods preparations.
Foreign Cuisine
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This semester course is designed to provide an overview of the foreign countries studied, thus enabling students to understand and appreciate the authentic foreign recipes they will prepare. Skills and techniques will be practiced that aid not only the home gourmet cook but also those interested in a possible food services career. Students will prepare complete meals from each country that is studied in addition to many more foods preparations.
Foods for Fitness-Good Eats!
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students in this course will study the basic principles of good eating and how it applies to health and fitness. There will be extensive food preparation emphasizing not only foods that are good for you but foods that are good to eat!
Child Development I/Nursery School
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
During this course, the students will learn about the different developmental stages of children from prenatal through age 4 through a study of their physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. Types of play, activities to do with children, discipline, positive guidance, basic parenting, child care skills and safety will also be covered. Vocational aspects of childcare will also be discussed, and students will have the opportunity to observe and interact with young children. This course will include nursery school experiences in semester I.
Child Care Development II/Nursery School
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(A continuation of Child Care and Development I.) During this course, the students will learn about the different developmental stages of growth from age 5 through age 12 through a study of physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. Types of play, activities to do with children, discipline, positive guidance, basic parenting, childcare skills and safety will also be covered. Vocational aspects of childcare will be discussed, and students will have the opportunity to observe and interact with young children. This course will include nursery school experiences. No prerequisite.
Child Care Development III/Nursery School
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This is the third course in the study of childcare and development. Activities to do with children, positive discipline and guidance, along with basic parenting and childcare skills will be covered. The course will give an in-depth look at how single parents, stepparents, adoptive parents, and teen parents can meet the special challenges of parenting. The needs of children with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, along with guidelines that can assist and encourage disabled children to cope better with today's society will be the emphases of this course. Students will have the opportunity to observe and interact with young children on a one-to-one basis. No prerequisite.
Introduction to Clothing
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students in this course will learn the principles of clothing selection and construction. Topics of study will include equipment, pattern usage and basic sewing techniques.
Clothing Design
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
In this semester course, students will explore and use techniques created by famous clothing designers. During the course, students will modify a pattern design and incorporate this innovation in a required project.
Textiles and Needlecraft
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course will acquaint students with the various types of fibers and fabrics, their composition, and construction. Fabric selection, care and finishes will be covered, as well as crafts and creative stitchery. Career opportunities will also be included.
Interior Design
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
In this course students will learn and use basic design principles to create beautiful and functional interiors. Other topics of discussion will include the history or heritage of housing styles in the United States and homes today, floor and room planning techniques, furniture design and selection, lighting and other accents. Projects will be individualized according to student interest. Students will design and construct a model of their “ideal home.”
Independent Living
2.5 credits
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Independent Living is a course covering topics that will help students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to live on their own. Subject matter will include finding a place to live, furnishing a home or apartment, basic home repairs, purchasing and maintaining a car, finances, consumer information, credit, budgeting, lifestyles, basic clothing care and repair, and general food knowledge.