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Horticulture & Plant Science 101: 17 Weeks

Horticulture is the art of cultivating plants in gardens to produce food, using plants for herbal purposes, or for comfort/ornamental purposes. Come learn about plant anatomy, photosynthesis, plant genetics and more. This course can be used as an elective or 4th high school science credit. (Labs are included).
Mrs. Collins, Certified Teacher
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(77)
Class
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What's included

Class Experience

Horticulture is defined as that branch of agriculture concerned with growing plants that are used by people for food, for medicinal purposes, and for aesthetic gratification. In this flex course, students will learn the basics of horticulture with a focus on horticulture production methods. 

Prerequisite: Middle Grade Life Science (Recommended but not required, because Life Science covers plant anatomy/parts, and general photosynthesis light needs.)

Topics:
Week 1: General Horticulture, Plant Science Basics
Week 2: Careers in Horticulture, College Major Exploration
Week 3: Plant Life Cycle, Parts Of The Plant, Phototropism 
Week 4: Types Of Plants
Week 5: Seasonal & Ornamental Plants
Week 6: Asexual Plant Propagation - Leaf Cuttings, Asexual Plant Propagation Labs , Cane Cutting
Asexual Plant Propagation,  Leaf Vein Propagation
Week 7: Beneficial Insects, Build Your Own Insect
Week 8: Earth Awareness Month Activity
Week 9: Exploring the Rate of Photosynthesis
Week 10: Plant Processes
Week 11: Greenhouse Production
Week 12: Greenhouse Management
Week 13: Microgreen Production
Week 14: Root Hormone
Week 15: Landscaping
Week 16: Specialty Plants/Production
Week 17: Final Exam/Practice Week

Format: Flex learning format will be used on the Outschool platform. Students will participate in group discussions, complete teacher provided worksheets and task on the Outschool class wall. In addition, students will engage in monthly trivia, virtual field trip ideas, crafts, nature journaling, and scavenger hunts. 

In addition, it is not required but students will be encouraged to create a mini garden in their home or outside (weather permitted). The teacher will provide an optional lesson on how to set up your own garden for students interested in learning more. Families are also encouraged to visit community greenhouses, and local gardens. 

Please check your state requirements for science before registering. In middle school the progression is normally:
6th Grade Earth Science
7th Grade Life Science
8th Grade Physical Science
9th Grade Biology
10-12th Environmental Science, Anatomy, Chemistry, Forensics, Physics, etc.
This Horticulture class can be used as an elective or as a 4th science credit course. But please make sure you complete all of the required science before graduation. The 7th Grade Life Science class lays the foundation for which this class has over plant cells, plant structures so it is recommended highly that the student has taken Middle School Life Science before registering. 

All students will create a spiral notebook that will house new vocabulary words, diagrams of the water cycle/plant life cycle, insect images, etc. So please make sure the student has a spiral notebook for the course, pencils, and coloring pencils. The spiral notebook will be used during the full session and hopefully it can be used as a future reference for the family too. 

Please let Mrs. Collins know if you have any questions.
Learning Goals
Course Standard 3
AFNR-GHPS-3
Identify plant parts, growth, and reproduction processes.
3.1 Compare and contrast the three phases of plant life (dormancy, vegetative, reproductive).
3.2 Describe the difference between annuals, biennials, and perennials.
3.3 Categorize vegetative structures and functions of plant parts (i.e.…leaves, stems, roots).
3.4 Sketch the sexual reproductive structures of plants and summarize their functions. (e.g.,
flower, fruit, seeds).
3.5 Sketch the sexual reproductive structures of plants and summarize their functions. (e.g.,
stems, roots).
Course Standard 4
AFNR-GHPS-4
Determine factors that affect plant development and growth.
4.1 Describe the process of photosynthesis and investigate factors affecting photosynthesis in
plants.
4.2 Describe the process of respiration and investigate factors affecting respiration in plants.
4.3 Differentiate between the growth processes of plants (e.g., germination, photosynthesis,
transpiration, respiration, osmosis).
Course Standard 5
AFNR-GHPS-5
Discuss the importance of sexual reproduction in plants.
5.1 Examine the importance of plant propagation.
5.2 Compare and contrast sexual and asexual propagation.
5.3 Describe the factors involved in planting seeds and demonstrate proper planting methods.
Course Standard 6
AFNR-GHPS-6
Discuss the importance of asexual reproduction in plants.
6.1 Describe the various methods of vegetative propagation.
6.2 Apply information learned to correctly demonstrate each method of vegetative propagation.
AFNR-GHPS-8
Identify macro, secondary and micro plant nutrients.
8.1 List and discuss the nutrients needed for plant growth.
8.2 Categorize common nutrient deficiency symptoms.
8.3 Assess soil pH, analyze plant nutrient availability and discuss methods of pH modification.
Course Standard 9
AFNR-GHPS-9
Explore the use of plant fertilizers and proper fertilizing methods.
9.1 Identify the components of a complete plant fertilizer.
9.2 Analyze the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers.
9.3 Demonstrate proper technique for applying water soluble and granular fertilizers.
9.4 Calculate accurate fertilizer ratios.
Course Standard 10
AFNR-GHPS-10
Evaluate the damage caused to plants by insects, weeds, diseases, and physiological
disorders.
10.1 Identify common insects, weeds, diseases and physiological disorders.
10.2 Diagram the external structure of an insect.
10.3 Illustrate the complete and incomplete life cycles of insects.
10.4 Describe the damage inflicted by insects and weeds.
10.5 Describe common plant diseases and compare and contrast solution methods.
10.6 Identify the proper methods of controlling pests.
Course Standard 11
AFNR-GHPS-11
Compare and contrast the use of various plant growing containers.
11.1 Describe the containers used in plant production.
11.2 Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plant growing container.
Course Standard 12
AFNR-GHPS-12
Describe various plant irrigation methods.
12.1 Explain the different types of watering methods for plants.
12.2 Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of each type of watering
system.
Course Standard 7
AFNR-GHPS-7
Determine the basic principles and uses of soil and plant growth media.
7.1 Identify and sketch soil materials and structure.
7.2 Evaluate the components and functions of a good growing media.
Course Standard 13
AFNR-GHPS-13
Explore plant science and horticulture careers and opportunities.
13.1 Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving skills in career planning in various plant
science careers.
13.2 Analyze skills, education requirements, income, and advantages and disadvantages of
careers in the plant science industry.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Please carefully read the class description, review the supply list, and reach out if you have questions. Outschool disclaimer: Please look over the supply list and do not use any items the child maybe allergic to. -------- Class Information For Parents: I am only a small piece of your homeschool puzzle. My goal is to provide your family quality curriculum, fun labs, crafts and assessment tools. I have over 23 years of experience in the classroom and homeschooling my own children. Over the years I have taught in the private, public and college setting providing quality labs and curriculum. I currently write science curriculum for 3 states to be used in public school classrooms. Over the years I have improved my craft by taking countless professional development on assessment methods, how to integrate technology into the classroom, and hands-on activities that promote learning. I am now taking my experience to provide quality curriculum for homeschool families. Third Party Tools: In my classes I use the following at times to help with comprehension: YouTube summary videos, Loom (I create how to videos), Quizizz, Quizlet, Nearpod, Flipgrid, Google Docs, and Google Slides. Outschool would like us to list all third party tools we may use in the class description. Assessments: Because my classes are flex, the option for live testing is not included. Instead I have a paid premium teacher membership to Quizizz and Quizlet. When it is time for an assessment I provide the student a website link and special code to take the test. Quizizz and Quizlet both grade test immediately for the family and allow the student the option to retest for a higher grade. Then students are asked to write down the grade, test name and date in their spiral on the "test score" page. All flex parents are asked to look at the spiral and test score page periodically to keep informed and to see how well the student is progressing in the class. If you are participating in a co-op that requires live testing, please let me know. I have a special Outschool one day option add-on that you can use for live testing. You can simply request the time/day for live testing that works for you. I have found that some flex parents use my Quizizz/Quizlet tests, but some families opt out of testing so it is whatever works best for your family. But I do provide the assessments if you would like to use them. Once the student is on the testing site via my special code they may also use the site for test over other subjects also. How To Grade: I recommend that parents add up all of the test scores at the end of the session, and divide by the number of test to get the final average for the class. At the end of the class I provide a general letter of completion that can be used for your records or charter/private/co-op use. If you need me to put a specific average on the letter, I am more than happy to just let me know the average your child has or seen me a list of their test scores to average. Upon registration, you will receive in your inbox class info, class expectations, and more.
Supply List
spiral notebook
pencils
coloring pencils
pens
highlighters
notecards
construction paper
clear tape, and masking tape
small and medium size containers for plants
potting soil
3 empty two liter bottles
a fresh flower for a lab on flower dissections
various items found in nature
collection box or shoebox
magnifying glass (recommended but not required)
microgreen seeds or seeds of some type
paper towels
ziploc bags to hold nature collections and notecards
tissue paper (green)
chenille sticks
drawing or computer paper
scissors
vinegar
sugar
salt
food coloring
small house plant to experiment on
clay or play-doh for creating models of diagrams
 6 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Mrs. Collins, Certified Teacher
4.9
77reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Master's Degree in Education from University of Georgia (UGA)
23 years of experience
Certified in science, ag education, and gifted studies. 

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$179

for 17 weeks
17 weeks

Completed by 6 learners
No live video meetings
Ages: 13-17

This class is no longer offered
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