Seneca Family and Consumer Science Department

Family and Consumer Science Department Teachers

Family and Consumer Science Courses
at Seneca High School

                                                                                                             

Family & Consumer Sciences

Child Development
Students gain knowledge in child growth, the interrelationship of all areas of development, and guiding a child from birth to preschool age. Units of study include: decisions in parenting; prenatal development; special needs children; various family models in a diverse society; and proper care of a preschool child to insure a healthy and safe environment. This course explores roles and techniques for working with children through readings, observations, projects, and guest speakers. It prepares students to work in the field of early childhood education and to develop skills necessary for balancing career and family while gaining in-depth knowledge of human growth and development. Cherokee and Seneca offer expanded preschool programs.

Fashion and Clothing I
This course teaches basic clothing construction and fashion appreciation with safe and correct use of sewing machines, pattern alteration and interpretation, wardrobe planning, textiles, and clothing care as applied to selected projects which vary according to student ability. Students gain an understanding of career opportunities in fashion, design, and technology. Intro to Family Consumer Sciences is recommended as a background to this course. Offered to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.

Fashion and Clothing II
This course exposes students to more advanced concepts in clothing construction as well as fashion history and areas of the fashion industry as career choices. Students complete hands-on sewing and home arts projects and a variety of fashion history and design assignments. Topics include: designing fashions for today's consumer; fashion history from the 1500s to the present; introduction to the over lock serger; using fabric in the home; altering ready-to-wear garments; and creating a pattern. Prerequisite: Fashion and Clothing I. Meets Visual/Performing Arts requirement.
This course is currently under revision. Upon Board approval the description of the course will be modified to align with the revised curriculum and current New Jersey Core and Common Core Standards.

*Fashion and Clothing III
This course challenges students to explore a variety of fabrics, sewing equipment, and advanced techniques. Individuality is expressed through projects involving more difficult pattern manipulation and tailoring techniques. Students selecting this course should have a strong background in garment construction. Prerequisite: Fashion & Clothing II. *Offered as BCC Cap Course. Meets Visual/Performing Arts requirement.

Foods and Nutrition I
This course focuses on a study of nutritional needs throughout the life cycle with an emphasis on the needs of adolescents. Material is presented with a comprehensive approach of academic exploration and practical application that includes diet self-analysis, healthy food preparation techniques, and better food choices. Students prepare a wide range of foods using a variety of food preparation techniques, tools, and equipment. This course prepares students for life after high school and is necessary for taking Foods and Nutrition 2 and 3. Intro to Family Consumer Sciences is recommended as a background to this course.

Foods and Nutrition II
This course provides more comprehensive understanding of various topics in food preparation, safety, and sanitation, along with a focus on traditions and cooking styles of foreign regions including Eastern and Mediterranean Europe, the Middle East, and African and Asian nations. An in-depth study of the regional cooking of the United States is included. Students improve problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. Prerequisite: Foods and Nutrition I. This course is currently under revision. Upon Board approval the description of the course will be modified to align with the revised curriculum and current New Jersey Core and Common Core Standards.

Foods and Nutrition III
This course offers variety of advanced food preparation techniques, including preparation of hors d'oeuvres, cake decorations, garnishing, soups, sauces, and various specialty foods. Presentation and mastery of specialized equipment are emphasized, and careers in foods are discussed. Prerequisite: Foods and Nutrition I and Foods and Nutrition II.

This course teaches elements and principles of design and how they apply to home decorating, architectural styles, period furniture, wall arrangements, and accessories in a comprehensive manner. Students learn to arrange furniture, design floor plans, elevations, and kitchens, and select window treatments and lighting for efficiency and aesthetics. Students develop decision-making skills that can be applied to present and future lifestyles.

Introduction to Family Consumer Sciences
This course provides general knowledge of life skills. The units of this full-year course are basic cooking, nutrition, consumer skills, sewing, child development relationships, housing, and careers. This course is recommended before taking Foods and Nutrition I, II, III and Fashion and Clothing I, II, III.

Exploring Life Skills
This course provides general knowledge of life skills. The units of this full-year course are cooking, nutrition, sewing, child development, relationships, careers, housing and interior design. Emphasis is placed on basic skills, small group instruction, and individualized attention.

Living Skills                                           PR
This course is designed to provide general knowledge of independent living skills. The units are safety, consumer skills, clothing, foods and nutrition, social skills, and household management. Available to students who need small group instruction and who are recommended by the Child Study Team.