Family & Consumer Sciences

Includes a discussion of physical and emotional changes adolescents go through and how they cope with family and peers, as well as the major life decisions they must make as they face the uncertain future ahead of them. A Meridian Production. (12 min.)

Going beyond basic training, this video takes driving students into the real world-where road conditions are not always favorable. NASCAR celebrity David Reutimann examines a wide range of environments containing potential driving hazards, including tunnels, bridges, mountain roads, rough or uneven terrain, and harsh weather. Featuring detailed procedures for coping with rain, snow, icy surfaces, wind, fog, and extreme heat, the program also describes how to recover from skids, hydroplaning, and fishtailing; how to safely and correctly change a flat tire; the best strategies for driving at night; the ABS system; and the importance of routine maintenance and insurance. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National Health Education Standards: Achieving Health Literacy; Joint Committee for National School Health Education and the American Cancer Society; and National Educational Technology Standards. A Meridian Production. (21 minutes)

Strong consumer demand for leaner-bred livestock and cuts that are smaller and less fatty has transformed the meat industry. Tasty meals featuring beef, lamb, and pork once again are staples all across America, and this video explains why in six well-illustrated segments. How Much Meat Do We Eat? offers a statistical overview of meat consumption. Nutritional Value of Meat addresses protein, vitamins and minerals, good and bad fats, cholesterol, and portion sizes. Meat Quality takes a look at the appearance, texture, and color of raw meat. Adding Value surveys bonus items being bundled with raw meat, from marinades, sauces, and spices to breadings and pastry shells. Handling Meat Safely considers hygiene issues. And Cuts shows how butchers are developing new cuts to match the recipes popular with today's health-conscious, on-the-go consumer. Delicious, nutritious, and easy to prepare, meat is back on the menu! A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences-Nutrition and Food. A Meridian Production. (18 minutes)

This highly informative program presents professionals in various segments of the exciting and fast-paced fashion industry discussing their roles at design, production, wholesale, and retail levels. Viewers see how merchandise is presented to wholesale buyers in New York showrooms and learn how resident buying offices assist store buyers in deciding what merchandise best suits their clientele. Interviews with wholesale and retail professionals in all areas of production and sales reveal the challenges and drawbacks of careers in fashion merchandising. A Cambridge Educational Production.One 45-minute video & student manual.

Where did my last paycheck go? How can I save when I barely make it through the month? Why is my paycheck less than I expected? Many people enter the job market expecting their paychecks to bring them freedom and unlimited new possessions. In reality, what they find is an inability to control their finances and shock over the speed at which the paycheck disappears. This informative program shows viewers that the ability to control their finances influences more than just their bank balances. Viewers learn how to make the most of even a part-time or entry-level income as they establish lifelong habits that will lay the foundation for a sound financial future. Whether they dream of a new stereo or a new home, viewers learn how to create a budget, assess their disposable income, set short- and long-term goals, establish a spending and savings plan, differentiate between gross and net take-home pay, choose the right bank account, reconcile their check books, and use credit wisely. Simple organizing techniques save young people from making common and costly mistakes. A Cambridge Educational Production.One 35-minute video.

This comprehensive video addresses all of the issues that need to be considered to find comfortable housing at a reasonable price. The program begins by examining the reasons to choose an apartment and how to determine what percentage of income should be allocated for housing. Beginning with a list of needs and wants, the video shows where to find available apartment listings (including on the Internet), what is covered in lease agreements, and how to document existing problems to keep from losing your security deposit. The program also covers the different options for finding furnishings and how to decide whether to move yourself or contract with a mover. Ideal for teaching independent living skills to teens or adults. A Cambridge Educational Production. (29 minutes)

Becoming a parent is one of the most serious and important decisions a person ever makes-the only decision in life that is absolutely irreversible. This video focuses on the issues which surround the decision to become a parent, including valid and invalid reasons as well as the responsibilities of parenthood. A Meridian Production. (12 min.)

Because every child and every family is different, choosing the right birthing or childrearing method is a case-by-case matter. This seven-part series offers a wealth of case studies exploring pregnancy, labor, and the many hurdles that form an initiation into parenting. Each episode focuses on a specific issue and shows how the household or households in question face their unique challenges. Coping strategies from nurse and midwife Grainne Ryan take into account medical conditions, sibling dynamics, job circumstances, single-parent situations, and other factors. 7-part series, 24-25 minutes each.

This unique parenting program gives viewers a close look at four diverse families who have successfully adjusted to parenthood. We hear from all types of parents: traditional moms and dads, single parents, adoptive parents, and parents faced with unexpected complications. They each share their own personal experience with adjustment, including lack of sleep, added expenses, emotional upheaval, frustration, and doing it alone. Experts in the field of parenting complement these stories with tips on juggling all these new responsibilities effectively. The experts also share insights about unusual circumstances like health problems and postpartum depression. By watching this program, viewers learn that becoming a parent takes time, dedication, and lots of love. And it doesn't happen overnight...it happens in Baby Steps. A Meridian Production. (27 minutes)

This video provides a roadmap for parents and caregivers to help them understand a baby's first 12 months of life. Included in this presentation is the identification of key developmental issues, with specific regard to the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth an infant undergoes during his or her first year. Interviews with experts in the field of child development help to further educate the viewer on how to successfully navigate through this critical time in a child's life. A Meridian Production. (21 minutes)

Can you operate 3,000 pounds of heavy machinery powered by continuous explosions? You must be able to, if you want to drive a car. NASCAR star David Reutimann explains the basics of automobile control in this video, guiding students from their first time behind the wheel to the essentials of driving and parking on public streets. Highlighting mental as well as physical preparation, the program covers starting up, accelerating, braking, shifting, steering, turning, and all the steps that go into safely handling a vehicle. Students will also learn the fundamental rules of the road, including how to read signs, signals, and surface markings. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National Health Education Standards: Achieving Health Literacy; Joint Committee for National School Health Education and the American Cancer Society; and National Educational Technology Standards. A Meridian Production. (21 minutes)

Demonstrates basic hand stitches, back stitch, basting, chain, blind stitch, etc. and the appropriate use for each. Needle types and thread considerations for different purposes are explained as well as the proper threading of a needle. (15 min.) A Meridian Production.

This program presents an overview of basic parenting skills in a dramatic format. The story involves several young people experiencing the frustrations of parenting. Discipline is presented as a system for reinforcing positive behavior. Practical techniques for dealing with tantrums and other undesirable behavior are included. The importance of a relationship of love and respect between parent and child is discussed as the basis for effective discipline, communication, and the creation of self-esteem. Specific ideas for building a healthy parent-child relationship are examined. A Cambridge Educational Production. (53 minutes)

In this program, cake-decorating experts share their knowledge and demonstrate their skills as they make chocolate creations and five fundamental types of frosting-royal, butter cream, ganache, fondant, and marzipan. The video also illustrates how to cover a cake in fondant, make a piping bag, and write in icing. Correlates to National CTE Organizational Standards (including the provisions of the Perkins Act). Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. Original title: Creative Cakes: Basic Techniques. A part of the series Creative Cakes. (29 minutes)

This program will take you step-by-step through the proper way to bathe your baby in a safe, comfortable, and convenient manner. (12 minutes)