PLANT SCIENCE COURSE OF STUDY
Course: Plant Science
Grade Level: 10-11
Length: 1 year
Course Description:
Students will begin with a general discussion of plants and their relationship and importance to man. Students will also study plant classification, cell structure, parts and functions, plant processes, and plant nutrition. Students will discuss the use of pesticides and their importance in agriculture (handling, application, and State/Federal regulations).
Students will discuss the horticulture industry (greenhouse, floriculture, hydroponics, etc.) and it’s importance to our economy. Students will explore the career opportunities available in the horticulture and plant sciences industries.
The greenhouse will be used for projects in germination, nutrient, and light experiments. Greenhouse projects will include asexual propagation of various species of plants.
Units and objectives:
i. Topic 2011A -Analyze necessities of human life that are furnished by plants
i. Topic 2012A - Discuss the development of the "kingdom concept."
ii. Topic 2012B - Define the term taxonomy
iii. Topic 2012C - List three bases by which plants can be classified (morphology, physiology, and evolution).
iv. Topic 2012D - Discuss three reasons for the current use of the modern system of plant classification. (E.g., language barriers, universal name, evolutionary relationships, similarities.)
v. Topic 2012E - Define genus, species, and variety.
vi. Topic 2012G - Place the terms in their correct descending order for plant classification: Kingdom, Division (Phylum), Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species, and Variety.
vii. Topic 2012H - List and discuss three applications the science of taxonomy has for the field of agriculture (e.g., plant, insect, and microorganism identification)
i. Topic 2014A - Examine and identify plant parts including seeds, roots, leaves, stem, fruit and flower.
ii. Topic 2014B - Analyze the functions of the seeds, root, leaf, stem, fruit and flower.
i. Topic 2013A - Diagram and examine the structure of a plant cell.
ii. Topic 2013B - Analyze the function of the cell parts and plant tissues.
i. Topic 2015A - Examine the steps in the process of photosynthesis.
ii. Topic 2016A - Examine the steps in the process of respiration.
i. Topic 2019A - List and examine six plant growth requirements and indicate (i.e., temperature, light, moisture, CO2, 02, and nutrients) the importance of each
i. Topic 2031A - Examine the function of macronutrients and micronutrients in plant growth.
i. Topic 2032A - Analyze the sources for each of the primary elements (N, P, K) and explain their forms.
ii. Topic 2032B - Examine three advantages of each of the organic and inorganic fertilizers and compare the cost effectiveness of each.
iii. Topic 2032C - Calculate the conversion of the nutrients, phosphorus and potassium, to the fertilizer components
i. Topic 2033A - List a source of each of the primary elements: N, P, and K.
i. Topic 2034A - Discuss the function of nutrients in plant growth.
i. Topic 2036A - Analyze plant nutrient deficiencies by using a deficiency test (soil test, tissue analysis, or sight test and demonstrate one).
ii. Topic 2036B - Relate the effect pH has on nutrient availability.
i. Topic 2035A - Read the directions on a fertilizer label and demonstrate proper dilution and application techniques.
ii. Topic 2035B - Calculate the content of N-P-K in a fertilizer container from information on the package.
iii. Topic 2035C - Calculate the amount of fertilizer needed for an acre of crop using a selected nitrogen source.
iv. Topic 2035D - Calculate the cost per pound of plant nutrient in ton fertilizer.
i. Topic 2041A - Examine and analyze the term "pest" and the role of pests in agriculture
ii. Topic 2041C - Inspect and examine plants to identify symptoms of abnormalities caused by pests.
i. Topic 2044A - Analyze and describe weed competition and its influence on plant growth.
ii. Topic 2044B - Examine and use the principles and procedures of weed identification.
i. Topic 2046A - Examine the principles of pest containment and eradication.
i. Topic 2047A - Examine the nature of biological control of a specific insect.
ii. Topic 2047B - Examine and analyze why plants resist or tolerate pests.
iii. Topic 2047C - Examine the term cultural control as applied to plant pests.
i. Topic 2049A - Use approved safety measures when using chemical pesticides.
ii. Topic 2049B - Describe the four toxicity categories of pesticides and the safety regulations governing them.
i. Topic 2091A - Compare the three phases of the floral industry (growing, wholesaling and retailing).
i. Topic 2141A - Discuss the beginning of the greenhouse industry.
ii. Topic 2141B - Describe the development of greenhouse production in America.
iii. Topic 2141C - Discuss the role of imports
iv. Topic 2141D - Understand the production-area determinants triangle.
v. Topic 2141F - Define the five areas of America's greenhouse production.
vi. Topic 2141H - Discuss the floral markets.
vii. Topic 2141I - Discuss the future of production.
viii. Topic 2141J - List skills needed by employees and owners in the future.
i. Topic 2151A - List factors to be considered before building a greenhouse.
i. Topic 2154A - Identify the components of various heating systems
ii. Topic 2154B - Identify the components of various cooling system.
iii. Topic 2154C - Compare supplemental lighting systems.
iv. Topic 2154D - Compare shading systems.
v. Topic 2154E - Describe methods of controlling temperature, light, and humidity.
vi. Topic: 2155A - Identify different methods of watering automatically.
vii. Topic: 2155B - Identify different methods of watering by hand.
viii. Topic: 2155C - Identify growing containers.
i. Topic 2161A - Understand what is in the greenhouse atmosphere.
ii. Topic 2161B - Describe the role of oxygen in relationship to plant respiration.
iii. Topic 2161C - Describe the role of oxygen in relationship to the plant's root system.
iv. Topic 2161D - Explain the role of carbon dioxide into a plant's photosynthesis.
v. Topic 2161E - Explain how the greenhouse environment can limit the amount of CO2 and O2.
vi. Topic 2161F - Describe the effect of limited CO2 and O2 on plant growth.
vii. Topic 2161G - List harmful gasses found in the greenhouse.
i. Topic 2162A - Define light intensity and how to measure it.
ii. Topic 2162B - Explain how light intensity affects plant growth.
iii. Topic 2162C - List the light levels for plants.
iv. Topic 2162D - Define light quality and how to describe it.
v. Topic 2162E - Discuss light quality and its effect on plant growth.
vi. Topic 2162F - Define light duration.
vii. Topic 2162G - Discuss photoperiodic response.
viii. Topic 2162H - Discuss why and how we manipulate photoperiodic response.
ix. Topic 2162I - Describe methods of decreasing and increasing light intensity.
x. Topic 2162J - Describe methods of decreasing and increasing light quality.
xi. Topic 2162K - Explain the relationship of temperature and light.
i. Topic 2163A - Define temperature.
ii. Topic 2163B - List the biological reactions controlled by temperature.
iii. Topic 2163C - List temperature categories for plant growth and flowering.
iv. Topic 2163D - Explain DIF and what it is used for.
v. Topic 2163E - Discuss uses for graphic tracking.
vi. Topic 2163F - Describe methods of shading.
vii. Topic 2163G - Describe what equipment is used for evaporative cooling and how it affects temperature.
viii. Topic 2163H - Explain why temperature is affected by air mixing.
ix. Topic 2163I - Explain why unit heaters are used with jet fans and convection tubes.
x. Topic 2163J - List all methods used to reduce the temperature.
xi. Topic 2163K - List all methods used to increase the temperature.
i. Topic 2166A - List the characteristics of greenhouse soil.
ii. Topic 2166B - Describe the inorganic media used in greenhouses.
iii. Topic 2166C - Describe the organic media used in greenhouses.
iv. Topic 2166D - Explain how to mix media.
v. Topic 2166E - Understand how to choose a growing medium.
vi. Topic 2166F - Explain why some media components are shredded or screened.
vii. Topic 2166G - Understand why sterilization or pasteurization is necessary for greenhouse soils.
viii. Topic 2166H - Explain the difference between soil sterilization and pasteurization.
ix. Topic 2166I - List equipment used to sterilize or pasteurize soil.
x. Topic 2166J - Understand how to adjust fertilizers and pH in media.
xi. Topic 2166K - Describe how to properly store and why.
xii. Topic 2166L - Explain how to take a media sample.
xiii. Topic 2166M - Discuss why you would take a media sample.
xiv. Topic - 2166N - Describe reasons for methods of taking tissue samples.
xv. Topic - 2166O - List each element and describe what the deficiency symptoms look like.
xvi. Topic - 2166P - Describe what to do if a nutrient deficiency is suspected.
xvii. Topic - 2166Q - Discuss methods of correcting nutrition deficiencies
i. Topic 2165A - Explain why water is necessary for plants.
ii. Topic 2165B - Describe the proper method of hand watering.
iii. Topic 2165C - Explain leaching.
iv. Topic 2165D - Describe the methods of automatic watering and list the strengths and weakness of each.
i. Topic 2164A - List essential plant nutrients.
ii. Topic 2164B - Describe how media pH affects nutrients availability.
iii. Topic 2164C - Discuss fertilizer reactions on media pH.
iv. Topic 2164D - Discuss the effects of fertilizer on total soluble salt.
v. Topic 2164E - Describe various methods of applying fertilizer.
vi. Topic 2164F - Discuss application rates of fertilizers and nutrients.
vii. Topic 2164G - Calculate fertilizer rates.
i. Topic 2167A - Discuss requirement for pesticide applicator certification.
ii. Topic 2167B - Discuss new laws effecting school greenhouses.
iii. Topic 2167C - Define pesticide.
iv. Topic 2167D - Understand the parts of a pesticide label.
v. Topic 2167E - Memorize the warning words in order of toxicity.
vi. Topic 2167F - List the items of protective clothing.
vii. Topic 2167G - Define traditional pest management.
viii. Topic 2167H - Define non-traditional methods of pest management.
ix. Topic 2167I - List the six ways pesticides can be applied to a greenhouse.
x. Topic 2167J - Discuss chemical storing.
xi. Topic 2167K - Discuss proper disposal of pesticides.
xii. Topic 2167L - List the greenhouse insects that are beneficial.
xiii. Topic 2167M - List and describe the harmful greenhouse insects.
xiv. Topic 2167N - Define disease.
xv. Topic 2167O - List the major categories of disease.
xvi. Topic 2167P - Explain in detail what IPM means.
xvii. Topic 2167Q - Understand how to use IPM methods.
xviii. Topic 2167R - List steps to start an IPM program.
i. Topic 2171A - Demonstrate all methods of asexual herbaceous cuttings.
ii. Topic 2171B - Demonstrate proper methods of seed germination.
iii. Topic 2171C - Demonstrate proper methods of transplanting various sized plant material.
iv. Topic 2171D - Demonstrate how and when to repot plant material.
v. Topic 2171E - Demonstration how and when to pinch plant material.
vi. Topic 2171F - Demonstrate how and when to disbud plant material.
vii. Topic 2171G - Understand how to schedule crops.
viii. Topic 2171H - Discuss proper acclimatization procedures.
ix. Topic 2171I - List reason and methods of maintaining production records and product inventory.
i. Topic 2207A - Identify major concepts and design theories with the persons who applied the concepts and theories.
ii. Topic 2207B - Identify and apply design theories.
iii. Topic 2207C - Discuss design theories and their social implications.
i. Topic 2211A - From a sample of 25 plants from the identification list, name at least 20 plants correctly with their botanical and common names.
ii. Topic 2211B - Demonstrate the correct utilization of the plant identification forms.
iii. Topic 2211C - Apply vocabulary.
iv. Topic 2211D - Begin to accumulate a palate of plants for use in future landscape design projects.
v. Topic 2211E - Describe cultural characteristics needed to insure proper growth and development of the plant.
vi. Topic 2211F - Use a zone map to identify planting zone in local area.
i. Topic 2212A - Plant trees and shrubs according to industry standards.
i. Topic 2213A - Assess a potential hedge or screen job and select the appropriate plant material and method of planting.
ii. Topic2213B - Evaluate hedge and screen plant material as it relates to hardiness, resistance to disease, tolerance to soil conditions, growth habit and rate, and ease of maintenance.
i. Assess a potential ground cover job and select the appropriate plant material and method of planting.
ii. Evaluate ground cover material as it relates to hardiness, resistance to disease, tolerance to soil conditions, growth habit and rate, and ease of maintenance.
i. Topic 2215A - From a sample of 25 annuals from the identification list, name at least 20 plants correctly with their botanical and common names.
ii. Topic 2216A - From a sample of 25 perennials from the identification list name at least 20 plants correctly with their botanical and common names.
iii. Topics 2215B & 2216B - Assess a potential perennial planting job and select the appropriate plant material and method of planting.
i. Topic 2221A - Understand what hydroponics is.
ii. Topic 2221B - Know the advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics.
iii. Topic 2221C - Know the different types of hydroponics systems.