At this level, students build an awareness of their place in the family. They identify some of the roles of families in society and practise skills with which they can contribute to their own families' activities. They are encouraged to demonstrate behaviours that build positive relationships in the home and classroom.

• consider types of family groupings and describe common tasks related to daily family life
• explore ways of consuming and conserving resources available to families
• look at ways people grow throughout the life cycle
• begin to understand human needs and wants, including food, clothing, shelter, safety, security, and a sense of belonging

Students consider the roles of the family within various societies. They become aware of the importance of the family unit to the well-being of individuals and the global society. They evaluate factors influencing the ways families meet their needs, as well as the consequences of these actions.

• investigate responsibilities of families in various societies
• describe responsible family use of community and global resources
• choose and prepare simple foods from Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating
• explore types of shelter in a variety of settings
• use skills related to textiles in a practical and artistic manner
• relate the role of nurturing to an individual's growth and development throughout her or his life cycle
• practise positive communication skills

At this level, students participate in practical experiences that prepare them for future independent and community living. Classroom activities provide students with opportunities to prepare food, use textiles, and analyse individual and family needs. Students develop time-, money-, and energy-management skills. They also gain an understanding of families and improve their capacity to nurture and care for others.

• use appropriate tools, techniques, and resources to plan and create food and textile items
• study factors that influence the changing needs and wants of individuals and families over time
• investigate issues related to human growth and development
• practise responsible care-giving attitudes and behaviours for self and others
• increase their awareness of the interrelationships among the work of families, volunteer work, future careers, and the well-being of society
• develop and apply criteria for evaluating products and services

Home economics courses offered at the secondary level become more specialized. Although content may be specific to the study of food preparation and service, textile production and use, or human growth and development throughout the life cycle, there is a continued focus on meeting the needs and wants of individuals and families in a responsible manner. Courses at this level support careerexploration and preparation by encouraging each student to acquire a broad base of knowledge as a useful background for specific training or further education to support a future career.

• acquire skills and knowledge appropriate to the area of study
• investigate job and career opportunities in related industries
• analyse and evaluate strategies and products
• describe or use appropriate technology for completion of projects at home and in industry
• consider global implications of decision making
• use appropriate skills for enhancing interpersonal relationships at home and in the workplace