Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS)

Family & Consumer Sciences education integrates family and career readiness with technical skill instruction within a critical science perspective. As a result, our students are empowered to navigate the challenges of living and working in diverse communities, while striving for a high quality of life. Our curriculum focuses on creating healthy individuals and sustainable families.

Coordinator: Kristin Vest (kvest2@lps.org // 402-436-1807)

Student Organizations: Educators Rising and FCCLA

Available Courses

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Healthy Living 6 (3511, 3512)

This course is an introductory course designed to acquaint students with Family and Consumer Science. Topics introduced include health, nutrition, food preparation, sewing, decision-making, and organizational skills. Cooperative learning groups and integration of all academic areas will be emphasized through practical experiences. In all topic areas, students will learn skills to promote lifelong health and well-being.

Family & Consumer Science 7 (3520)

Seventh grade Family & Consumer Sciences prepares students to become independent, productive citizens. Topics introduced include nutrition, food preparation, sewing, families, decision-making, and organizational skills. Cooperative learning groups and integration of all academic areas will be emphasized through practical experiences.

Family & Consumer Science 8 (3530)

Eighth grade Family and Consumer Science is designed to encourage students to practice decision-making skills and goal setting by efficiently using their available resources. Through hands-on activities and practical application of basic math and science skills, students obtain a background in budgeting, room design, basic sewing skills, child development, peer and family relationships, food and nutrition, and making wise consumer choices. We will increase student’s ability to act responsibly and productively, work cooperatively, create solutions to critical and emergent issues, utilize technology effectively in personal and family settings, and maintain healthy lifestyles. Exploring these topics will provide students with skills to assist them in being college and career ready.

FCS Overview (3600) LHS, LSW, Yankee Hill

This course is intended to give students a broad overview of the many fields within Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). Students will learn essential knowledge, practice related skills and explore career possibilities within each of the following FACS areas: Foods, nutrition, and wellness; food science; clothing and textiles; housing and design; resource management; child development; education; personal and work relationships; and life and career readiness.

Lifespan Development (3820)

This introductory course focuses on the progression of human development throughout the lifespan. Knowledge of our development (mentally, physically, socially and emotionally) is the basis for careers in education, counseling, and many other helping careers. With each age group, students will learn strategies for promoting development and for establishing and maintaining positive interactions. This course is a required entry course for The Career Academy K-12 Education pathway.

Parenting I, II, III (38401-2, 38501-2, 38551-2)

This is an ideal class to help student-parents (both male and female) whose child IS NOT enrolled in a LPS Student/Child Learning Center meet the challenges of being a teen, a parent, and a student. Emphasis is on adjusting to parenting, strengthening family relationships, caring for your child, and learning about child growth and development. Time with the school nurse, counselor and community agencies are provided.

Human Behavior (4100)

This course is designed to help students learn to manage issues in everyday living and to further understand how and why humans behave the way they do. Self-awareness as well as diverse perspectives are examined. Students will study behaviors that lead to caring and respectful relationships in the family, workplace, and community. This course meets the LPS Human Behavior graduation requirement.

Relationships (3770) LHS, LNE, LSE, LSW

This course includes the study of interpersonal relationships and the effect of these relationships on the well-being of individuals, families, work and society. The course includes concepts such as effective communication, establishing and maintaining relationships, diverse family systems, characteristics of personal development and the impact of relationships on personal and career success.

Independent Living (3760) LHS, LSW

Independent Living prepares students for successful life on their own. Students identify issues relevant to their needs, values, and goals. They learn consumer skills needed to manage their resources to provide food, clothing, housing, and to achieve their life goals.

Infants & Toddlers (3800)

This class focuses on the development of children from conception to 3 years of age. Students will learn skills that will help them nurture successful development in children. Experiences include shadowing in infant and toddler programs. To work with children a background check is required. This course is a required entry course for The Career Academy Early Childhood pathway.

Preschool/School Age Child (3810) LHS, LSE, LE, LSW, LNS

This single or double-period class is a study of preschool and school-age children, their development, needs and interests. Students learn how teachers, caregivers, and parents assist in the healthy development of children in these age groups. Students spend time working with children and teachers in community centers and elementary schools. This class is helpful for students who want a career related to children ages 3 to 12 years. Students can expand their experience with this age group by enrolling in the Infants and Toddlers class. To work with children a background check is required. This course is a required entry course for The Career Academy Early Childhood pathway.

Introduction to Fashion and Interior Design (3640)

This course explores the definition, application and evaluation of elements and principles of design in the interior and fashion industries. Topics covered included knowledge of textiles, fashion design skills and interior design skills. Technology used in the design industry, career exploration opportunities and the skills necessary for careers in design will be explored as well as trends in the fashion industry and sustainable design.

Clothing, Textiles and Design (3650)

This course provides students with an understanding of clothing construction, textile products, and the clothing design industry. Emphasis will also be placed on use of equipment and sewing techniques. This course integrates knowledge, skills, and practices required for careers in textiles. Other topics explored will include trends in the fashion industry, sustainability and emerging technologies.

Interior Design (3700)

Interior Design prepares students to 1) identify and analyze the elements and principles of design as they relate to meeting human needs and values within our diverse society, 2) apply critical thinking skills in the areas of technology, space planning, coordination, and the designing of interiors to meet specific needs as it relates to individuals, family, and industry, 3) examine career-related opportunities in this field.

Families in Crisis (4200)

Families and Crisis helps students identify positive and negative impacts on families including stress, changes in the family life cycle, grief and loss, mental health disorders, and other crises. This course helps students identify counseling services, explore community resources, and how to relate to others during crises. Students learn communication and coping skills that are helpful in resolving individual and family problems. This course meets the LPS Human Behavior graduation requirement. This course also meets UNL entrance requirements in Social Sciences.

Culinary I: Fundamentals of Food & Nutrition (3900)

This course is designed to provide students with the basic foundation knowledge of food selection and preparation needed to successfully fuel the human body through consumption of food and resulting food energy. With a beginning foundation of nutrition, students will learn basic preparation skills and the short-term and long-term wellness consequences as a result of nutritional intake, and exposure to careers related to the food industry.

Culinary II: Culinary Skills (3901)

This course is an industry-driven curriculum that prepares students with foundational culinary skills and for careers in the restaurant and foodservice management industry. Students will learn the basics of professional food preparation techniques by preparing a variety of food products. Throughout the course students will become knowledgeable about safe and sanitary food practices and apply them at home and in the industry. Culinary I: Fundamentals of Food & Nutrition is a prerequisite for this course. This course is a highly recommended course for The Career Academy Culinary Pathway.

Culinary III: Advanced Culinary Skills (3902)

Culinary III is designed to provide students with an industry-driven curriculum. The course will provide real-life opportunities, the application of practical skills encompassing culinary techniques, and management skills. Students will prepare a variety of foods and learn plating techniques. Students will learn and apply professional skills required for working in the foodservice industry. This advanced class will be beneficial for students considering a career in the hospitality field or anyone who wants to elevate their culinary skills.

Culinary Competition