Consumer Services prepares students to distinguish between consumer rights and responsibilities, and gain a better understanding of the governmental laws and agencies designed to protect consumers.

Students will also gain an understanding of how to read product labels that will facilitate wise purchasing decisions and safe use of the product.

The design, furnishing and decorating of today’s homes is more specialized than ever before.  Using a software program, students will gain hands-on experience in floor plan layout and how to best utilize spaces.  They will then explore how to use a concept wall and then experiment with how colors and textures can be used in interior design to change the look and feel of a space.

Students will recognize and rate the benefits and disadvantages of food technology development and study several commonly used substances found in food and beverages.  Through research, students will gain insights into why consumers purchase specific products and what affects consumer decisions in the marketplace. 

Using the scientific method, students will compare leavening agents used in quick breads and use proportions to calculate the proper ratio of flour to liquid when preparing different quick breads.

Students will identify how fashion has been influenced by historical events and its relationship to changing economic, social, and cultural conditions.  They will then explore clothing choices and analyze how clothing communicates and satisfies certain physical, psychological, and social needs. 

Through experimentation, students will compare and contrast the properties of natural and synthetic fibers and perform tests to analyze a fiber’s characteristics and quality of fabric.

Through research students will examine the importance of customer/guest relations to the success and reputation of a business and demonstrate the ability to identify logical, expedient solutions to customer problems. 

After doing research, students will define and explain the role of the hospitality, tourism and recreation industry in terms of planning of special events and demonstrate time management skills by setting up and planning an event.

Students will identify the responsibilities of a caregiver in meeting the needs of an infant.  Through research, students will understand how nutrition plays an important role in a child’s development and identify acceptable foods for an infant and young child. 

Through hands-on experimentation they will examine child protective devices and home safety equipment.  Using an infant simulator, students examine the many complexities of parenting and the seriousness of the responsibility, and experience the difficulties, inconveniences and realities of caring for an infant.