Lesson Overview
When preparing to educate individuals, families, and communities in family and consumer sciences content, it is essential that an understanding of various theories of curriculum development exist.  For example.  In order to provide instruction, an educator should identify standards--from those standards curriculum, from the curriculum--strategies and methods to communicate the content.  This path to instruction is contained within an overarching understanding of the mission of Family and Consumer Sciences and forward-thinking philosophies of "what should be taught".  The PowerPoint for today's lesson focuses on the Critical Science Approach in comparison to the Technical Science Approach.  Each of the methods and strategies that will be presented this semester will contribute to the Critical Science Approach to FCS Curriculum.
The mission of Family and Consumer Sciences as defined by the American Vocational Association in ASCD (1998) is as follows:

The mission of family and consumer sciences education is to prepare students for family life, work life, and careers in family and consumer sciences by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors needed for:

1.  Strengthening the well-being of individuals and families across the life span.

2.  Becoming responsible citizens and leaders for family, community, and work settings.

3.  Promoting optimal nutrition and wellness across the life span.

4.  Managing resources to meet the material needs of individuals and families.

5.  Balancing personal, home, family, and work lives.

6.  Using critical and creative thinking skills to address problems in diverse family, community, and work environments.

7.  Achieving successful life management, employment, and career development.

8.  Functioning as providers and consumers of goods and services.

9.  Appreciating human worth and accepting responsibility for one's actions and success in family and work life.
Once an understanding of the critical science approach and mission is achieved, an FCS educator should become familiar with the standards that have been outlined for FCS Education.  Each lesson that is developed in the future should be based on one or more standards.  Also, in order for family and consumer sciences education to continue to be a driving force within secondary schools, educators need to develop courses that are forward-thinking and addressing the practical, perennial problems that impact individuals, families and communities on a daily basis.

Please enjoy the PowerPoint focusing on a few main points of the critical science approach.

This information can be used to assist you in the development and discussion of a personal philosophy of family and consumer sciences education.

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