Applied Botany 1-2

This course is for students interested in the practical application of plants. Emphasis is placed on greenhouse experiences and outdoor gardening. Topics include: propagation, houseplants, landscaping, pesticides, and plant anatomy and physiology. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Botany Club Student Organization affiliated with FFA (Future Farmers of America).

Goal 1: Attitudes/habits of mind to develop positive attitudes and excitement towards learning science and confidence in one's ability to do and understand science.
A. Plants and Man
1.1 The student will gain an understanding of the relationship and importance of plants to man.
1.1.1 The student will list all plant products that are found in our society, home, and classroom. The student will compile a personal inventory of plant products used on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
B. Student Greenhouse Experience
1.1 The student will be able to work independently as well as cooperatively on a weekly basis involving greenhouse skills, maintenance, and projects. Creativity is encouraged.
1.1.1 The student will be responsible for organizing and cultivating plants inside the greenhouse, selecting a crop for two growing seasons, and maintaining an assigned area of the greenhouse for the school year.
Goal 2: Nature of Science and Technology
To develop an understanding about the nature of science and technology
A. Scientific Method
1.1 The student will be able to demonstrate the scientific method.
1.1.1 The student will create and design experiments that involve agriculture/horticulture. Example: seed experiments and measured growth under varied conditions.
B. current Topics
1.1 The student will be aware of the current issues in agriculture and horticulture.
1.1.1 The student will be exposed to literature that is brought into the class. The student will participate in library searches to examine the recent research in agriculture and horticulture.
C. Controversial Research
1.1 The student will be aware of the current research which may be surrounded by controversy.
1.1.1 The student will apply the information obtained from searches for discussion in class.
Goal 3: Science content
To acquire and apply appropriate scientific knowledge to interpret the natural world.
A. Abiotic conditions
1.1 The student will understand how the abiotic factors affect plant growth.
1.1.1 The student will identify what soil is and its major components. The student will collect soil samples to determine the characteristics of each soil type. The student will germinate seeds and grow plants in different soils.
1.1.2 The student will identify what water is and determine what its chemical structure is. The student will test the pH of water samples brought into class. The students will grow plants using different amounts of water, and will record observed results.
1.1.3 The student will identify the major/minor fertilizers available. The student will determine the optimal fertilizer concentration on plant seedlings and mature plants.
1.1.4 The student will be able to identify the components of light. The student will understand ROYGBIV spectrum of light; and will determine which color is best for plant growth. The student will understand if light is needed for growth as a seed, seedling, or mature plant. The student will observe the different pigments responsible for the photo-synthetic process.
1.1.5 The student will understand how temperature plays a role for plants at each stage: seed, seedling, immature plant, mature plant. The student will discover the optimum temperature using the freezer, refrigerator, classroom, lath shade outside, greenhouse or full exposure outside.
B. Plant Physiology
2.1 The student will acquire scientific knowledge involving the structure and function of plants (roots, stems, leaves, and flowers). The student will observe diversity and adaptation in each group.
2.1.1 The student will label major root parts from weeds and produce department specimens. The student will identify the function of each part identified.
2.1.2 The student will label major stem parts from weeds and produce department specimens. The student will identify the function of each part identified.
2.1.3 The student will label major leaf parts from weeds and produce department specimens. The student will identify the function of each part identified.
C. Garden Pests
3.1 The student will acquire a scientific knowledge involving the identification of garden pests.
3.1.1 The student will identify garden pests from the region. The student will collect garden pests that are discovered within the greenhouse area. Garden pests will be identified and combined to make a class collection.
D. Plant diseases
4.1 The student will acquire knowledge in identifying major plant diseases.
4.1.1 The student will bring in diseased plants from home or the greenhouse to identify.
Goal 4: History of Science
To understand the historical contributions in science and the context in which they were made. 1.1 The student will understand the impact certain plants have had on society.
1.1.1 The student will pick a plant that has been used frequently in society, and will research information to report to the class.
1.2 The student will understand the new developments occurring in the field of genetics and genetic manipulation of plants and plant diseases.
1.1.2 The student will research new ideas in agriculture, using the library as their source of information.
Goal 4: History of Science
To understand the historical contributions in science and the context in which they were made.
1.1 The student will understand the impact certain plants have had on society.
1.1.1 The student will pick a plant that has been used frequently in society, and will research information to report to the class.
1.2 The student will understand the new developments occurring in the field of genetics and genetic manipulation of plants and plant diseases.
1.1.2 The student will research new ideas in agriculture, using the library as their source of information.
1.3 The student will understand a new method of gardening.
1.1.3 The student will grow plants without soil, using the hydroponics method.
GOAL 5: Thinking/Reasoning Skills of Science
To develop integrated thinking skills through science experiences.
A.Plant Diseases
1.1 The student will predict the remedy/cure/product for each plant disease observed.
1.1.1 The student will select the appropriate commercial product available for each plant disease observed. Future recommendations will be made to prevent further spread of disease. A comprehensive list will be available for the student to choose the solution to the problem.
B. Garden Pests
1.1 The student will integrate the knowledge of which control (herbicide/pesticide/insecticide) to use for each problem considered.
1.1.1 The student will identify major brands of insecticides/pesticides/herbicides available for public use. The student will go the landscape department of a store and create a comprehensive list of such chemicals. The student will assess when, where, and how the product is to be applied.
C. Published Material
1.1 The student will keep current and up to date on pesticide and disease research in agriculture.
1.1.1 The student will survey the literature available in the school library concerning pesticide application and disease control in plants.
D. Plant Classification
1.1 The student will understand the enormous diversity of plants in the world, and will be able to rank these specimens from simple to complex.
1.1.1 The student will study plants from slides, movies, laser discs, and herbarium sheets to distinguish the major groups of plants. A plant collection will be required of each student, thus combining this project into one classroom effort.
GOAL 6: Personal use of Science and Technology
To Use Experiences with Science and Technology in Personal Decision-making.
A. Plant Medicines
1.1 The student will recognize plants that man can benefit from in today’s society.
1.1.1 The student will identify herbs that are used for healing, cooking, and health.
B. Soil Blends
1.1 The student will determine what is the optimum soil blend for plants.
1.1.1 The student will produce his/her own personal soil blend based on experiences of growing plants in and around the greenhouse.
C. Careers
1.1 The student will recognize which careers are available today in the field of agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping.
1.1.1 The student will be introduced to people from different careers through guest speakers and field trips.
D. Communication
1.1 The student will gain exposure to the agricultural world through letter correspondence.
1.1.1 The student will have classroom time to correspond to businesses and programs around the world. This activity is called “Botany Mailbag.”
GOAL 7: Societal Impact of Science and Technology
To increase understanding of the limits, possibilities, and interrelationships among science, technology, society, and the environment.
A. Pesticide Use
1.1 The student will evaluate the pros and cons of using certain toxins in the environment.
1.1.1 The student will determine the active ingredient in commonly used pesticides, to conclude whether organic breakdown will occur within a reasonable time period. Communication to the local cooperative extension will yield many alternatives, as well as the best deterrent to use.
B. Genetics in Agriculture
1.1 The student will describe the pros and cons of genetic engineering in agriculture today.
1.1.1 The student will determine the consequences of foods with altered genes, foods with longer shelf-life capacity, and the possibility of genetic problems that can occur.
C. Water conservation
1.1 The student will describe the precious nature of water available for plants in Maricopa County and Arizona.
1.1.1 The student will list drought-resistant plants to replace traditional water consuming landscape plants. This list can be obtained from the cooperative extension office or the water department.
D. Plant Laws
1.1 The student will be able to understand the importance of Arizona’s Native Plant Laws
1.1.1 The student will obtain a copy of the Arizona Native Plant Laws from the Department of Agriculture. Class discussions and a mock trial will occur between the state and a poacher of protected plants. The laws will be interpreted by the students in this activity.
GOAL 8: Laboratory investigations/hands-on Learning
To acquire skills for learning through concrete and manipulative use of instruments and materials of science.
A. Plant Propagation
1.1 The student will use this skill to increase nursery stock of plants.
1.1.1 The student will demonstrate the properties of asexual reproduction involving plants. The student will use seeds, cuttings, layering, and grafting to achieve this goal.
B. Pruning
1.1 The student will be able to manipulate plant growth into intended designs and patterns.
1.1.1 The student will control and shape plant growth by the use of trimming and pruning.
C. Garden Tools
1.1 The student will be able to list and select the correct tool for the task required.
1.1.1 The student applies the tool for the landscape project that is needed to be completed at the greenhouse.
D. Ecosystem Design
1.1 The student will predict which variety of plants grow best in a selected area.
1.1.1 The student will choose a particular planting zone in the United States. The student will design and create a landscape plan for a specific home site in that zone. Once a plan has been drawn up, a model will be built to demonstrate to the class.
E. Greenhouse Management
1.1 The student will explore and investigate how a greenhouse is managed.
1.1.1 The student will select a particular area within the greenhouse area. The choice made is that student’s responsibility for the entire year. Students are encouraged to visit with other students in their zone to inquire about how each area is maintained. Field trips to other greenhouses and museums give expanded ideas for students. Students work out at the greenhouse on Monday, Wednesday, and ½ or full class on Friday depending on the tasks required.