Family and Consumer Sciences
East Brunswick High School
The Family and Consumer Science program is designed to prepare students for adult responsibilities as a member of a family, being a consumer, a home manager, and a wage earner. The curriculum is designed to help educate students to deal with the needs of the contemporary family. Through hands-on applied learning experiences, students will develop skills that lead to effective home and workplace decisions; learn concepts and skills basic to home and family management, and develop personal skills that will enhance their employment potential. The following courses enrich students in real-time and throughout their lives.
Family and Consumer Sciences Courses
- Food for Fitness
- Food Science and Nutrition
- Culinary Arts I
- Culinary Arts II
- Culinary Arts Workshop Honors
- Fashion I
- Fashion II
- Fashion III
- Human Growth and Development
- Preschool Education Honors (Teaching Laboratory)
- Teaching Practicum Honors (Teacher Cadet Program)
Food for Fitness
Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5
Fuel Your Body. Master Your Craft.
In a world of processed convenience and digital sedentary life, the ultimate "life hack" is knowing how to prepare real food that tastes incredible and fuels your goals. Food for Fitness is an introductory, hands-on course that teaches you the essential "analog" skills of a chef through the lens of modern nutrition. You will step away from the screen and into a laboratory of flavor, learning that "healthy" doesn't mean boring—it means better.
The Mastery Experience:
- The Essentials (Cooking, Baking & Knives): Your journey begins with the high-stakes basics. You’ll master professional Knife Skills and foundational cooking and baking techniques, ensuring you can navigate any kitchen with confidence and safety.
- The Power Start (Breakfasts): Move beyond cereal. Learn to create high-energy, nutrient-dense breakfasts that fuel your brain and body for a demanding school day.
- The Nutrient Lab (Salads & Soups): Master the art of the "Power Bowl" and scratch-made soups, focusing on vibrant colors, textures, and flavor balance.
- The Main Event (Entrees): Learn to prepare proteins and grains with precision. You’ll master techniques like searing, roasting, and poaching to create restaurant-quality dinners that support muscle recovery and sustained energy.
- The Balanced Bite (Sweet Stuff & Lightened Classics): Experience the "science of the swap." We recreate your favorite comfort foods and desserts using innovative ingredients to lighten the calories without losing the soul of the dish.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
For the Student: Optimize Your Life
- The Athlete’s Edge: Whether you are on the field, on the stage, or in the classroom, what you eat dictates how you perform. You’ll gain the autonomy to prep meals that give you a competitive advantage.
- Aesthetic Mastery: We focus on modern plating and vibrant ingredients. You’ll learn how to make food that looks as good as it feels—perfect for building a creative portfolio.
- Stress Relief: The kitchen is a sanctuary. Using your hands to create a meal from scratch is the ultimate way to "unplug" and decompress from the pressures of high school life.
For the Parent: A Lifetime of Wellness
- Lifelong Health Habits: This isn't a "diet" class; it's a "lifestyle" class. We teach students how to make informed, delicious choices that prevent burnout and promote long-term health.
- Kitchen Self-Sufficiency: Your student will graduate with the skills to live independently. They will be the one in the dorm or first apartment who knows how to shop, chop, and cook a balanced meal from scratch.
- Critical Thinking: By mastering "Lightened Classics" and "Ingredient Swaps," students learn to look past marketing labels and understand the actual chemistry and nutrition of what they consume.
Food Science and Nutrition
Grade 10-12 | Credits: 2.5
Unlocking the "Why" Behind Every Bite.
In a world driven by data and technology, the most fascinating laboratory isn’t in a science wing—it’s in the kitchen. Food Science is an introductory, hands-on course that teaches you to master the "analog" skills of a chef by getting "nerdy" about the cooking process. You will step away from the screen and dive deep into the interactions between heat, energy, and molecules to understand exactly how great food is engineered.
The Mastery Experience:
- The Precision Lab (Knives & Safety): Every scientist needs to know their tools. You’ll master professional Knife Skills and kitchen safety through the lens of physics and geometry, ensuring every cut is precise and every movement is safe.
- The Physics of Heat: We delve into the interactions between heat, energy, and molecules. You’ll learn how different energy sources transform proteins and carbohydrates, mastering both conventional cooking methods and newer—but simple—techniques that produce even better results.
- American Classics Deconstructed: We focus on the science behind beloved American dishes. Why is a smash burger better than a thick patty? What makes a chocolate chip cookie chewy versus crunchy? You’ll learn the chemical "hacks" to perfect these staples every time.
- Molecular Interaction: Understand the "secret handshakes" of the kitchen—like emulsification, the Maillard reaction, and gluten development—that make the difference between a kitchen disaster and a culinary masterpiece.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
For the Student: Mastering the "Food Hack"
- The Ultimate Cheat Code: When you understand the science, you don't need to memorize recipes. You’ll gain the "nerdy" intuition to fix a broken sauce, save an overcooked roast, and innovate your own dishes based on logic rather than luck.
- Hands-On STEM: This is science you can actually eat. You’ll see concepts from chemistry and physics come to life in a way that is tactile, sensory, and delicious.
- Creative Problem Solving: The kitchen is a place of constant variables. You’ll develop the high-level critical thinking skills needed to troubleshoot experiments in real-time.
For the Parent: STEM Rigor Meets Life Skills
- Academic Application: This course bridges the gap between abstract science and practical application. It reinforces STEM concepts in a high-engagement environment that students actually look forward to attending.
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Kitchen Literacy: Your student won't just learn to follow directions; they will learn to understand the system of the kitchen. This leads to true independence and the ability to cook high-quality meals from scratch without relying on processed shortcuts.
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Future-Proof Skills: In a tech-heavy world, the ability to understand complex systems and execute them with your hands is a premium skill. Whether they become a scientist or a CEO, the discipline and precision learned here are universal
Culinary Arts I
Grade 10-12 | Credits: 2.5
Unplug. Create. Fuel Your Life.
In an era dominated by digital shortcuts and automation, the most valuable skills are the ones you build with your own two hands. Culinary 1 is an immersive, hands-on journey designed to transform you from a passive consumer into a confident creator. This course is a sensory break from the screen, where you will master the "analog" tools of independence and self-sufficiency in a professional kitchen environment.
The Mastery Experience:
- Kitchen Safety & Basics: Before you can create, you must command your environment. You’ll master the high-stakes essentials of sanitation and professional kitchen operations.
- The Blade Intensive: Learn to handle the industry’s most important tool. Through our Knives & Knife Skills unit, you will develop the precision, speed, and safety habits of a professional chef.
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The Staples: Dive into the science and technique of the world's most versatile ingredients. You’ll learn to craft everyday meals from pasta and master the many forms of the "incredible" egg.
- Baking Basics: Explore the chemistry of the oven. You will master the ratios and techniques behind professional-grade breads and pastries.
- Core Cooking Techniques: Move beyond the microwave. You will learn to sauté, roast, and simmer, gaining the technical "know-how" to cook anything without needing a recipe app.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
For the Student: Freedom and Focus
- Digital Detox: This class provides a much-needed break from the digital world, allowing you to engage your senses and find "flow" through tactile work.
- Social Connection: You’ll work in teams, building the communication and leadership skills that make you a valuable contributor in any industy.
- Instant Reward: There is no better feeling than eating something incredible that you made from scratch. You gain the autonomy to feed yourself better and more cost-effectiver than any delivery app can.
For the Parent: Safety and Self-Sufficiency
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Practical Life Skills: This course is an investment in your child’s independence. They graduate with the ability to live and work safely in a kitchen, preparing them for college and beyond.
- A Safety-First Mindset: We instill a rigorous respect for safety and sanitation, ensuring they can handle tools and equipment responsibly at home.
- Future-Proofing: In a world of AI, the ability to work with your hands is an irreplaceable human skill. Whether they pursue a career in hospitality or another field, the time management and grit learned here are universal keys to success.
Culinary Arts II
Grade 10-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Culinary Arts I OR Food for Fitness OR Food Science
Move Beyond the Recipe. In Culinary 2, we shift from "how to cook" to "how to create." In a world of automated apps and instant gratification, this course develops the one thing technology can’t replace: human intuition. The goal of this course is to transform you into an independent, confident cook who can walk into any kitchen, look at any set of ingredients, and craft something extraordinary.
The Mastery Experience:
- Formulas Over Recipes: Learn the universal techniques and "dish formulas" that unlock thousands of possibilities. Once you master the method, you never need a cookbook again.
- The Science of Flavor: Dive deep into flavor profiles and the art of balancing flavors. You will learn how to troubleshoot a dish—knowing exactly when to add acid, heat, salt, or fat to reach perfection.
- Ingredient Intelligence: Master ingredient categories and the high-level skill of ingredient swaps. This is the ultimate life skill: learning how to be flexible and resourceful with what you have on hand.
- Original Recipe Development: Move from student to creator. You will apply your knowledge to develop original dishes, testing your palate and your plating.
Building the Creative Edge:
We believe that growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone. By encouraging flexibility and calculated risk-taking in the kitchen, students build the confidence to fail, iterate, and ultimately succeed. This course isn't just about food—it’s about developing the creative problem-solving skills and resilience that are essential in today’s fast-paced world.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
- For Students: You get a laboratory to take risks, express your style, and develop a "sixth sense" for flavor that will impress everyone from your friends to future employers.
- For Parents: This course builds true independence. Your student will move from asking "what's for dinner?" to being capable of designing and executing meals based on logic, nutrition, and pantry availability.
Culinary Arts Workshop Honors
Grade 11-12 | Credits: 2.5 | Prerequisite: Culinary Arts II (This course is repeatable)
Recommended Electives for Program Enhancement: Food for Fitness, Food Science and Nutrition, Healthy Eating On the Go.
Prerequisite: Culinary Arts 2
Define Your Signature. In Culinary Workshop Honors, you transition from a student of the kitchen to a pioneer of the plate. This is a high-level creative studio designed for those who want to push the boundaries of food culture. We move beyond textbooks and standard curriculum to focus on the cutting edge of the culinary world: innovation, trend analysis, and original content creation. In this course, you are the lead developer, using your foundation from Culinary 1 and 2 to launch your own unique culinary voice.
The Mastery Experience:
- Trend-Led Exploration: We dive deep into current global food movements—from viral social media trends and "new-age" plant-based innovations to the science of molecular gastronomy. You won’t just watch trends; you’ll analyze and recreate them.
- Student-Led Recipe Development: This is your laboratory. You are urged to think outside the boundaries of established recipes. You will research, test, and iterate on your own original dishes, learning the "R&D" (Research and Development) process used by top food innovators.
- Creative Autonomy: Move from following a map to designing the destination. You will have the freedom to develop signature menus that reflect your personal style, heritage, or artistic vision.
- Aesthetic & Media Literacy: In a visual world, how food looks is as important as how it tastes. You will explore advanced plating aesthetics and food styling, learning how to document your creations with a professional lens.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
For the Student:
- Total Creative Freedom: This is the one space in your school day where you are the architect. You have the license to take risks, experiment with "weird" ingredients, and fail forward until you create something iconic.
- Digital Portfolio: You will leave this course with a curated portfolio of original recipes and high-quality food photography—a "creative resume" that proves your ability to innovate and execute a vision.
- Cultural Literacy: You’ll stay ahead of the curve, understanding the "why" behind what the world is eating right now, making you the most informed and capable cook in any room.
For the Parent:
- Innovation & Adaptability: This course isn't just about cooking; it’s about resourcefulness. Students learn to identify a trend, research its components, and develop a unique response—skills that are critical in the modern, fast-paced "gig economy."
- Project Management: Developing a recipe from scratch requires planning, budgeting, and multiple rounds of testing. Your student is practicing the executive functions and discipline required for high-level university work or entrepreneurship.
- Passion-Led Learning: By allowing students to lead their own curriculum, we foster a deep, self-driven work ethic. They aren't just doing "homework"; they are pursuing a craft that builds confidence and a sense of personal identity.
Fashion I
Grades 10-12 | Credits: 2.5
Fashion 1 is a semester course that blends introduction to the Fashion industry with practical application. Students will explore fashion history, color theory, and the fundamentals of design while analyzing how cultural shifts drive contemporary movements. We spend time developing technical skills during the course: through an introduction to fiber arts (knitting or crocheting) and gain proficiency in operating a sewing machine, including equipment safety and basic stitching techniques. This course is open to all students interested in the creative and technical aspects of fashion, design, or DIY crafting.
Fashion II
Fashion 2 transitions students from Fashion 1 to the professional landscape of the global fashion industry. This course focuses on career pathways, exploring diverse roles such as fashion design, merchandising, styling, trend forecasting, and textile design. Through project-based learning, students will simulate real-world scenarios—from conceptualizing a seasonal line to mastering professional communication and business strategies—preparing them for success in a competitive and evolving creative field. Students have the opportunity to continue with their skills learned in Fashion 1 to create their own textile and then transform their original fabric into a professionally finished tote bag.
Fashion III
Fashion 3 is an advanced, workshop-style studio where students transition from learners to independent creators. Utilizing the technical skills mastered in previous levels—including advanced machine sewing, knitting, and custom textile design—students spend the year conceptualizing and producing their own original collections. Beyond construction, students dive into the business of fashion. You will learn the critical components of costing, from sourcing ethically produced materials to calculating labor and retail markups. By the end of the course, students will have a professional-grade portfolio and a market-ready product that demonstrates their readiness for higher education or a career in the global fashion market.
Human Growth and Development
Grade 10-12 | Credits: 2.5
This Human Growth & Development semester course provides a comprehensive exploration of the life cycle from conception through the preschool years, emphasizing the four fundamental developmental domains: physical, intellectual, emotional, and social. Students will analyze the influential child development theorists to understand growth patterns while examining family dynamics, including birth order and parenting styles. A significant portion of the course focuses on practical caregiving, beginning with newborn needs, sensory learning, and a "Flour Babies" parenting simulation. This culminate in the "Baby Think It Over" project, where students use lifelike, computerized infant simulators to experience the 24-hour demands of parenting, including feeding, burping, and diapering. By navigating milestones from the "Terrible 2's" to preschool readiness, students gain essential skills in setting limits and fostering healthy development in young children.
Preschool Education Honors (Teaching Laboratory)
Grade 11-12 | Credits: 10
You must complete an application to request this course. Please contact your counselor if you would like to request Preschool for next year.
Preschool Education is an exceptional opportunity for 11th and 12th grade students who are interested in an early childhood related career! This full-year, Honors course gives students an opportunity to learn, plan, teach and observe children, ages 3-5 years, in a laboratory preschool setting. Prior to the arrival of the preschoolers in mid-October, the course is devoted to child development, guidance techniques, teaching methods, observational techniques, scheduling and routines needed to work with the preschool-aged child. Students will continue to learn, plan and develop with the opportunity to practice skills in storytelling, literacy, art, early math, music and theme teaching. The students gain confidence, knowledge, and skills to assist in careers relating to children and experience in a preschool. Students electing to take Preschool may also be interested in the Teaching Practicum Honors course.
Teaching Practicum Honors (Teacher Cadet Program)
Grades 11-12 | Credits: 5 | Transportation must be provided by the student
You must complete an application to request this course. Please contact your counselor if you would like to request Teaching Practicum for next year.
Teaching Practicum Honors is a course based on a nationally recognized curriculum-based program with implementation in 34 states across the nation. The Teaching Practicum Honors class allows the student to participate in a mini student teaching program making them competitive with other students interested in pursuing this field. This course includes the study of the history, development, organization, and practices of preschool, elementary and secondary education. There are three major focus sections in the course: Experiencing the Learner, Experiencing the Classroom and Experiencing the Profession. Students will learn about the overall operation of schools, their responsibilities as a teacher and the history and progression of schools. *Students electing to take the Teaching Practicum Honors class may also be interested in our Preschool Lab course.