In Sharon Scharf's junior high home economics class, seventh grader Olivia Quebe and eighth grader Matt Ely knead dough to bake a brioche recipe, Oct. 7. According to Scharf, the two showed an aptitude for kneading.

"I was so impressed by Matt and Olivia's kneading skills (they are brutal with that dough!) that I had to take this photo," Scharf said. "I'm so happy to be able to work with a class of junior highers in home ec. They are a great bunch of students (contrary to popular belief!)."

Although the class began the year with a rough start, they progressed to learn organizational skills and diligence, Scharf says. For two weeks now, the group has spent time working on yeast breads -- the recipes requiring three days to complete.

Scharf approaches her class with a mindset of teaching life skills. She aims to teach her students useful lessons on nutrition and organization.

"My goal is to teach life skills which will carry the student throughout his/her lifetime -- not only many cooking skills which have gone by the way of fast food and prepared items -- but good eating habits, a healthy lifestyle and organizing and managing all of the tasks he/she might face each day," Scharf said. "Home ec. isn't just learning to cook and sew!"

For more photos of home ec., check out The cookie monster and All about Amy.