Date of Defense
12-5-2025
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Department
Family and Consumer Sciences
First Advisor
Amy Geib
Second Advisor
Chuck Bruce
Abstract
As climate change intensifies and global food systems face growing environmental pressures, there is an increasing need to prepare younger generations to respond to these challenges. Sustainability education is increasingly recognized as essential for helping students understand the connection between human actions, environmental resilience, and their overall well-being. This form of education already has a foundation in the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) curriculum. This study examines the effects of integrating sustainability lessons into secondary Family and Consumer Sciences food and nutrition courses in a rural Michigan high school. It was hypothesized that if students participate in sustainability presentations and related activities, then they will demonstrate greater knowledge or awareness of sustainable living and an increased likelihood of making environmentally responsible food choices. Data was collected using a pre- and post-assessment questionnaire, with students participating in presentations, discussions, and activities throughout their semester. Results indicated that integrating sustainability lessons into the FCS curriculum had a moderate positive impact on student learning and engagement. These positive trends ultimately reinforce the critical need for sustainability education in FCS programs and its potential to influence students’ actions to live sustainably and promote their overall well-being.
Recommended Citation
Hill, Emily, "The Role of Sustainability in Family and Consumer Science Curricula" (2025). Honors Theses. 4070.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/4070
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Presentation