Curriculum Home Science Senior Secondary NIOS

HOME SCIENCE

1. RATIONALE

Home Science is a subject which promotes understanding of each of the home with necessary scientific basis and provides essential knowledge to face the changing ways of life. An attempt has been made to develop a course by adopting an integrated approach towards the application of science, technology and humanities in areas like resource management.

Keeping in mind the fact that the Senior Secondary stage could be the terminal point of study for most learners, this course not only better equips them to deal with problems on the home front but also offers information on advanced vocational streams for those who decide to pursue a career.

The main objectives of this course are as follows:

2. OBJECTIVES

Develop a scientific approach through application of science and technology in everyday living.
Promote awareness of ill-effects of environmental degradation on human lives.
Explain principles and techniques to handle problems in middle childhood and adolescence.
Impart advanced knowledge of textiles.
Explain the need and basis of therapeutic nutrition.

DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS

Module	Marks
Resource Management	16
Development in Middle Childhood	16
Fabric Science	16
Food and Nutrition	16
Optional Module	16
Theory	80
Practical	20
Total	100

4. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course has been divided into two parts: the CORE modules and some OPTIONAL modules. The core modules comprise four in number and impart knowledge and information essential for all learners. These are compulsory for all students. There are three optional modules out of which the students have to choose and study any one module.

CORE MODULES

4.1 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

This module is designed to familiarize the learner with the concept of conservation of energy, maintaining ethics at work, developing skills in money management, and effective use of space and time to maximize output.

4.1.1 Scope of Home Science

Need
Scope
Employment opportunities

4.1.2 Consumer Education

Definition
Problems faced
Consumer Protection Act
Consumer redressal

4.1.3 Work Ethics

Meaning and importance
Competence and work ethics

4.1.4 Income Management

Definition
Recording income and expenditure
Supplementing income

4.1.5 Savings and Investment

Importance and methods of saving
Agencies of investment
Financing agencies

4.1.6 Work Organisation

Meaning and need
Principles of work simplification
Time and energy management

4.1.7 Space Organisation

Meaning and need
Space of work simplification
Space organization and aesthetics

4.1.8 Energy and Conservation

Meaning and need
Areas where energy can be conserved – home and workplace
Non-conventional sources of energy

4.1.9 Environment Management

Environmental degradation and effects on man
Creating an eco-friendly environment

4.2 DEVELOPMENT IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD

This module gives information about the growth and development of children and adolescents and the factors influencing the same. It also sensitizes the student to the situation of the child in India.

4.2.1 Growth and Development in Middle Childhood

Characteristics of physical, motor, socio-emotional, cognitive and language development
Role of peers
Socialization at school

4.2.2 Adolescence

Characteristics of physical, motor, socio-emotional, cognitive and language development
Self concept
Developmental tasks
Sex education at school
Problems faced by adolescents

4.2.3 Special Issues in Child Development

Position and role of girl child
Juvenile delinquency
Child labour
Major physical disabilities
Socio-economic disadvantaged children

4.3 FABRIC SCIENCE

This module aims at familiarizing the reader with the basic properties of fibers, yarns and fabrics available in the market, selection of fabrics for various end uses, and creation of designs through weaves, finishes, colours and dyes. It also provides essential information on care and maintenance of clothes.

4.3.1 Introduction to Fabric Science

Definition and scope
Fibre – definition and classification
Properties of fibers

4.3.2 Yarns

Definition and terminology
Yarn processing
Yarn types
Textured yarns

4.3.3 Fabric Construction

Meaning
Techniques of fabric construction
Weaving – process and designing
Knitting
Weaving vs knitting

4.3.4 Textile Finishes

Definition, importance and classification of finishes – routine and special
Finishing with colour
Printing, tie and dye, batik

4.3.5 Selection of Textiles and Clothing

Labels and marketing
Malpractices
Judging quality of textile products
Selection of fabrics for different end uses
Selection of clothing for different age groups

4.3.6 Care and Maintenance

Need
General principles
Storage of clothes

4.4 FOOD AND NUTRITION

This module gives useful information about foods, their functions, nutrients and their requirements. It equips learners to plan adequate meals and modify diets to suit common disease conditions.

4.4.1 You and Your Food

Definition of food
Functions of food
Food groups

4.4.2 Nutrition

Definition
Nutrients – functions and sources
Nutrient requirements – RDI based on household measures and food groups

4.4.3 Adequate Meals

Balanced diet
Need for meal planning
Factors affecting meal planning
Meals for various age groups
Modification of family meals
Hygienic food handling

4.4.4 Nutritional Status and Health

Malnutrition
Assessing nutritional status
Height and weight
Diet and nutrient intake
Deficiency disorders – anemia, PEM, vitamin A deficiency and iodine deficiency
Ongoing governmental and non-governmental nutrition programmes

4.4.5 Nutritional Care of Sick in Family

Need for special care
Diet modification
Diet in common diseases – diarrhea, constipation, fever, jaundice, high blood pressure and diabetes
Diet in nutrition-related problems – PEM, anemia, vitamin A deficiency and obesity

4.4.6 Purchase and Storage of Food

Selection of food
Food spoilage
Methods of storage

4.4.7 Food Preservation

General principles of preservation
Preservation at home

4.5 A. COMMUNITY NUTRITION

Rationale

The future of a country depends on the state of health of its population. One has to understand the significance of good health of a community with reference to national development. This module will bring awareness of the common nutritional problems facing India and at the same time describe the various methods used to assess the ongoing nutritional programmes in the community. The modules will give sufficient knowledge on planning and conduction nutrition education programmes in a community.

4.5.1 Nutritional Status – Its Assessment

Methods of assessment
Anthropometry
Clinical methods
Diet survey

4.5.2 Nutrition Education Methods

4.5.3 Major Nutrition Problems in India

Extent of nutrition problems – energy deficiency, PEM, anemia, vitamin A, B and iodine deficiency, fluoride toxicity and obesity
Government programmes and policies

4.4 B. HOME HASED CARE FOR UNDER FIVES

Rationale

This module will provide the essential knowledge for providing services to the under fives short periods, from the home itself. It will enable the reader to work efficiently at a day care centre / blawadi / home tutorial programme. It is also partly aimed at developing parenting skills in the young readers.

4.5.1 MEANING, NEEDS, OBJECTIVES

meaning of home based care
need-working parents / nuclear families
objectives – safe Physical environment / stimulating activities / learning opportunities / preparation for school.

4.5.2 REQUIREMENTS / ESSENTIALS

organizing and preparing available space
equipment
play materials
safety / first aid

4.5.3 ORGANIZING ACTIVITIES

creative activities
preparing and using learning materials – materials from environment

4.5.4 NUTRITIOUS MEALS

creating nutritious snacks
developing proper eating habits

4.5.5 ACCOUNTS

setting up and starting the service
records / costing / account knowledge

4.5 C. LAUNDRY SERVICE

Rationale

This module will equip the readers with the skill to launder various type of fabrics and use the appropriate procedures as required. Learners will be in a position to provide professional services and set up their own units if required.

4.5.1 FABRICS AND LAUNDRY

properties related to care and maintenance of – cotton, silk , wool, synthetics.

4.5.2 CLEAN EARS AND LAUNDRY AUXILIARIES

characteristics, function and uses of soaps, detergent, blues, starchiest.

4.5.3 STAIN REMOVAL

identifying stains
methods of removal

4.5.4 WASHING AND FINISHING

washing of cotton, silk, wool, synthetics
special treatment given to heavy, light, delicate fabrics
dirty articles

4.5.5 CLOTH MAINTENANCE

ironing
pressing
folding
for collection, washing, drying, ironing and holding

4.5.6 SETTING UP A UNIT

setting up and starting the service

LIST OF PRACTICALS

To prepare a label depicting each of the following marks of standardization: i) ISI ii) FPO iii) agmark.
To fill various forms at a bank: i) cheques ii) pay in slip iii) withdrawal form.
To study the resource use pattern of various family members at your home.
To list habits of members of your family and neighbors which degrade the environment and suggest ways to conserve it.
To identify the discriminations against a girl child (if any) in your family and find justifications for the same.
To identify a child labourer in your locality and develop a profile of the child.
To identify a child with special needs and study the family’s efforts in his/her achieving independence.
To develop a questionnaire to study a family’s efforts in helping an adolescent achieve the developmental tasks.
To identify various types of fibers using: i) burning test ii) visual inspection.
To find out the thread count of different types of fabrics.
To tie and dye a cotton fabric using various methods of typing.
To remove the following stains from white cotton fabrics: i) curry ii) blood iii) mud iv) ink v) tea/coffee.
To prepare simple dishes using the following methods of food enrichment i) combination ii) fermentation iii) germination.
To study the nutritional intake and its effect on the nutritional status of a family by maintaining a food dairy.
To study the programme at a play center to determine the center’s role in: i) socio-emotional development ii) physically motor development iii) cognitive development.
To develop a plan to set up a laundry unit to provide door-to-door service in: i) rural area ii) area with government flats iii) posh society.