OCG - Introduction to Horticulture

• Agricultural Science & Technology

UNIT A          DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN AGRICULTURE

Lesson 1. Exploring the History and Organization of FFA

Student Learning Objective:  Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Explain how, when, and why the FFA was organized.

2 Explain the mission and strategies, colors, motto, parts of the emblem, and the organizational structure of the FFA.

3. Recite and explain the meaning of the FFA Creed.
4. Explain the purpose of a Program of Activities and its committee structure.

Lesson 2. Discovering Opportunities in the FFA

Student Learning Objective:  Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Describe how the FFA develops leadership skills, personal growth, and career success.
2. Identify major state and national activities available to FFA members.

Lesson 3. Determining FFA Degrees, Awards, and CDEs

Student Learning Objective:  Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Explain the four FFA degree areas.
2. Identify the FFA proficiency awards.
3. Explain various team and individual Career Development Events.

Lesson 4. Understanding FFA Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Student Learning Objective:  Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Describe the duties and responsibilities of chapter FFA officers.
2. Explain the proper dress and characteristics of a good FFA leader.

 

UNIT B          SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

                        Lesson 1. Determining the Benefits of an SAE

Student Learning Objective:  Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Explain the importance of goals and career ladders.
2. Define supervised agricultural experience.
3. Explain the benefits of supervised agricultural experience programs.

                        Lesson 2. Determining the Kinds of SAE

Student Learning Objective:  Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Explain the difference between entrepreneurship and placement SAEs.
2. Describe research and experimentation SAEs and exploratory SAEs.
3. Explain the characteristics of a good SAE program and student responsibilities.

                        Lesson 3. Researching Possible SAE Programs

Student Learning Objective:  Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Identify career interest areas in agriculture.
2. Identify skills needed for career success.
3. Explain opportunities for SAE programs.

                        Lesson 4. Planning Your SAE Program

Student Learning Objective:  Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Identify the steps in planning an SAE Program.
2. Identify the parts of an annual SAE program plan.
3. Discuss the function of a training plan and /or agreement in an SAE program

                        Lesson 5. Implementing SAE Programs

Student Learning Objective:  Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Discuss the importance of keeping records on an SAE program.
2. Explain the types of financial records needed to support a chosen SAE program.

3. Identify standards to follow in keeping records on an SAE program.

UNIT C          EXPLORING THE HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY

Lesson 1—Understanding Horticulture

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Define horticulture and describe its relationship to science and technology.
2. Identify the three major segments of the horticulture industry.
3. Identify and define activities included in the ornamental horticulture industry.

Lesson 2—Exploring Career Opportunities in Horticulture

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. List skills you should have to ensure success in a horticulture career.
2. Explain how to prepare for a horticulture career.
3. List examples of horticulture jobs and careers.
4. Prepare a professional job resume for a horticulture job.
5. Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a job interview.
6. Identify proper interpersonal skills that should be demonstrated while working on a job in the horticulture industry.

UNIT D                 HORTICULTURAL MECHANICS, MACHINERY OPERATION AND   MAINTENANCE

Lesson 1 – Identify and properly use tools and equipment utilized in the horticulture industry

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Identify hand and power tools used in the greenhouse, turf management and landscaping.
2. Identify equipment and its uses of tools used in the greenhouse, turf management and landscaping.
3. Demonstrate proper safety procedure for utilizing tools used in the greenhouse, turf management and landscaping.
4. Demonstrate proper maintenance and storage procedures for tools used in the greenhouse, turf management and landscaping.

 

UNIT E          PLANT ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY  

Lesson 1 – Classify ornamental plants     

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe the system used for naming and classifying plants.
2. Identify the major groups of plants.
3. Describe the differences between annuals, biennials, and perennials.

Lesson 2 – Understanding leaf anatomy and morphology

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe the main parts of a leaf.
2. Describe some major types of leaves.
3. Discuss common vein patterns found in leaves.
4. Explain how a leaf is organized.

Lesson 3 – Understanding stem anatomy   

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe the functions of a stem.
2. Identify the external structures of a stem.
3. Identify the internal structures of a stem.
4. Distinguish between the different types of specialized stems.

Lesson 4 – Understanding Root Anatomy               

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. List the functions of roots in plants.
2. Identify the parts of a root.
3. Identify the two major types of root systems.
4. Recognize a healthy root system.

Lesson 5 – Understanding flower anatomy        

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe the parts of a flower.
2. Explain the purpose of a flower.
3. List some different types of flowers.
4. Describe the difference between monocot and dicot flowers.

Lesson 6 – Understanding plant physiology       

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe the process of photosynthesis.
2. Describe the process of cellular respiration.
3. Explain why photosynthesis and respiration are important to us as human beings.

Lesson 7 – Understanding light, temperature, air and water effects on plant growth   

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe the effect of light on plants.
2. Describe a plant’s temperature needs.
3. Explain how the quality of air affects plants.
4. Describe a plant’s water needs.

Lesson 8 – Understanding plant growth regulators  

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe the work of plant growth regulators.
2. Explain the functions of several plant hormones.
3. List several commercial uses for plant growth regulators.

 

UNIT F          PLANT PROPAGATION    

Lesson 1 – Understanding sexual reproduction

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Discuss the importance of plant propagation.
2. Explain the difference between sexual and asexual propagation.
3. Identify the major parts of a seed.
4. List the function of each major part of a seed.

Lesson 2 – Propagating plants sexually         

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Discuss the importance of sexual propagation of plants.
2. Describe the process of seed germination.
3. Describe the factors involved in planting seeds for transplanting.
4. Explain how to successfully direct seed outdoors.

Lesson 3 – Propagating plants by cuttings        

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain why plants are propagated asexually.
2. Describe leaf and leaf-bud cuttings and how they are used to propagate plants.
3. Describe the three types of stem cuttings.
4. Explain how root cuttings are prepared for propagation.
5. Identify some of the environmental factors that determine the success of rooting of cuttings.

                        Lesson 4 – Propagating plants by division, separation and layering 

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain the difference between separation and division in plant propagation.
2. Describe layering and identify four common forms of layering.

Lesson 5 – Propagating plants by grafting and budding

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe how grafting is used to propagate plants.
2. Identify and explain the difference between three common methods of grafting.
3. Explain how budding is used for plant propagation.

Lesson 6 – Propagating plants by tissue culture  

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Discuss the importance of tissue culture.
2. Discuss a tissue culture method of propagation used in the greenhouse industry.

 

UNIT G          GROWING MEDIA, NUTRIENTS AND FERTILIZERS    

Lesson 1 – Properties of growing media        

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Identify the types of growing media.
2. Describe the functions of growing media.
3. Explain the relationship between growing media and plant growth

Lesson 2 – Growing media components       

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe the components of soil.
2. List the components of a soilless mix.
3. Compare and contrast the use of soil versus a soilless mix.

Lesson 3 – Providing nutrients for a horticulture crop

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Name the nutrients needed for plant growth.
2. Describe pH and how it is modified.
3. Describe the components of a fertilizer.
4. Explain the methods of applying fertilizers to horticulture crops.

Lesson 4—Determining the Nature of Soil

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain how the resources soil provides help in supporting life.
2. Explain the contents of soil.
3. Describe the biological nature of soil.
4. Describe the four ways plants use soil.
5. Describe some horticultural uses of soil.
6. Describe some non-horticultural uses of soil.

Lesson 5 - Understanding Soil Texture and Structure

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe the concept of soil texture and its importance.
2. Determine the texture of a soil sample.
3. Describe soil structure, its formation, and importance.
4. Identify various soil structures.

Lesson 6 - Explaining a Soil Profile

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain the soil profile.
2. Explain how soils within the profile change over time.
3. Distinguish between the major horizons of a soil profile.

Lesson 7 - Understanding Moisture Holding Capacity

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain moisture holding capacity.
2. Explain what determines a soil’s moisture holding capacity.
3. Determine the moisture holding capacity of a given soil profile.

Lesson 8 -  Understanding Soil Degradation

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Describe soil degradation.
2. Explain how construction can result in soil degradation.
3. Identify sources of contamination and explain how they result in soil degradation.
4. Explain soil erosion and how it results in soil degradation.
5. Identify other sources of soil degradation.

Lesson 9 - Understanding Soil Erosion and Management Practices

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain soil erosion.
2. Identify the causes of soil erosion and steps in the erosion process.
3. Explain the ways in which different types of wind erosion occur and the associated problems.
4. Distinguish between the different types of water erosion.
5. Identify urban management practices that reduce soil erosion.
6. Identify horticultural management practices that will minimize soil erosion.

 

UNIT H          INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT   

Lesson 1 - Understanding Integrated Pest Management

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in  students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain integrated pest management.
2. Explain best management practices.
3. Identify the basic elements of an integrated pest management program.

                  Lesson 2 - Determining the Kinds of Pesticides

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain plant pests and how they cause losses.
2. Identify the major classifications of pesticides and their use.
3. Identify the major classifications of herbicides and their use.
4. Identify the major classifications of insecticides and their use.

Lesson 3 - Using Pesticides Safely

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain the way pesticides are classified according to toxicity.
2. Identify the types of pesticide exposure.
3. Explain how toxicity is measured.
4. Identify the safety practices that should be followed when applying pesticides.

Lesson 4 - Interpreting Pesticide Labels

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Explain the purpose of the pesticide label.
2. Identify the information that should be included on the pesticide label.
3. Explain when the pesticide label should be read.

Lesson 5 -  Applying Pesticides

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Identify the categories of pesticides according to time of application.
2. Explain the different areas of application in applying pesticides.
3. Explain how to properly calibrate equipment used in applying pesticides.

Lesson 6 - Managing Environmental Impact of Pesticides

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Identify the environmental concerns involved with pesticide use.
2. Explain pesticide persistence and its impact on the environment.
3. Explain proper disposal of surplus pesticides and empty containers.

Lesson 7 - Identifying and Managing Plant Pests in the Greenhouse

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. Identify the major categories of pests found in the greenhouse.
2. Discuss pest control techniques used in a greenhouse.
3. Describe the different practices of integrated pest management used in the greenhouse.

Lesson 8 - Identifying and Managing Plant Pests in the Landscape

Student Learning Objective:   Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 

1. List the major destructive plant insects in the landscape.
2. Describe plant disease control techniques used in the landscape.
3. Name weed control techniques used in landscape beds.

 

Other Standards:  (List national or local standards students are expected to master in this course)

AFNR National Standards

• Cluster Skills
  • 01.02.01.a. Explain human relation skills such as compassion, empathy, unselfishness, trustworthiness, reliability and being friendly.
  • 01.02.01.b. Determine human relation skills characteristics of people who exhibit compassion, empathy, unselfishness, trustworthiness, reliability and being friendly.
  • 01.02.01.c. Demonstrate human relation skills including compassion, empathy, unselfishness, trustworthiness, reliability and being friendly to co-workers.
  • 02.03.01.a. Explore various career interests/options.
  • 08.01.01.a. Identify standard tools, equipment, and safety procedures related to a specific task.
  • 08.01.01.b. Set up/adjust tools and equipment related to complete a specific task.
  • 08.01.01.c.Use tools and equipment appropriately to complete a specific task.
• Environmental Service Systems
  • 03.02.03.a. Explain how the physical qualities of the soil influence the infiltration and percolation of water.
• Plant Systems
  • 01.01.01.a. Explain systems used to classify plants.
  • 01.01.01.b. Compare and contrast the hierarchical classification of agricultural plants.
  • 01.01.01.c. Classify agricultural plants according to the hierarchical classification system, life cycles, plant use and as monocotyledons or dicotyledons.
  • 01.02.02.a. Identify the components, the types and the functions of plant roots.
  • 01.02.02.b. Identify root tissues and explain the pathway of water and nutrients into and through the root tissues.
  • 01.02.02.c. Relate the active and passive transport of minerals into and through the root system to plant nutrition.
  • 01.02.03.a. Identify the components and the functions of plant stems.
  • 01.02.03.b. Describe the processes of translocation.
  • 01.02.03.c. Apply concepts associated with translocation to the management of plants.
  • 01.02.04.a. Discuss leaf morphology and the functions of leaves.
  • 01.02.04.b. Explain how leaves capture light energy and allow for the exchange of gases.
  • 01.02.04.c. Explain the relationships between leaf structure and functions and plant management practices.
  • 01.02.05.a. Identify the components of a flower, the functions of a flower and the functions of flower components.
  • 01.02.05.b. Identify the different types of flowers and flower forms.
  • 01.02.05.c. Apply the knowledge of flower structures to plant breeding, production and use.
  • 01.03.01.a. Explain the basic process of photosynthesis and its importance to life on Earth.
  • 01.03.01.b. Explain requirements necessary for photosynthesis to occur and identify the products and byproducts of photosynthesis.
  • 01.03.01.c. Explain the light-dependent and light independent reactions that occur during photosynthesis and apply the knowledge to plant management.
  • 01.03.04.a. Identify the five groups of naturally occurring plant hormones and synthetic plant growth regulators.
  • 01.03.04.b. Identify the plant responses to plant growth regulators and different forms of tropism.
  • 02.01.01.a. Describe the qualities of light that affect plant growth.
  • 02.01.01.b. Describe plant responses to light color, intensity and duration.
  • 02.01.01.c. Evaluate plant responses to varied light color, intensity and duration.
  • 02.02.02.a. Identify the categories of soil water.
  • 02.02.02.b. Discuss how soil drainage and waterholding capacity can be improved.
  • 02.02.02.c. Determine the hydraulic conductivity for soil and how the results influence irrigation practices.
  • 02.03.01.a. Identify the essential nutrients for plant growth and development and their major functions.
  • 02.03.01.b. Describe nutrient deficiency symptoms and recognize environmental causes of nutrient deficiencies.
  • 03.01.01.a. Explain pollination, cross-pollination and self-pollination of flowering plants.
  • 03.01.01.b. Diagram the process of plant fertilization.
  • 03.01.02.a. Demonstrate sowing techniques and provide favorable conditions for seed germination.
  • 03.01.02.b. Handle seed to overcome seed dormancy mechanisms and to maintain seed viability and vigor.
  • 03.01.03.a. Describe optimal conditions for asexual propagation and demonstrate techniques used to propagate plants by cuttings, division, separation and layering.
  • 03.01.03.b. Demonstrate proper procedures in budding or grafting selected materials.
  • 03.01.04.a. Define micropropagation, discuss advantages associated with the practice and outline the four main stages of the process.
  • 03.01.04.b. Demonstrate aseptic micropropagation techniques.
  • 03.01.04.c. Propagate plants by micropropagation.
  • 03.02.01.a. Explain the importance of starting with pest- and disease-free propagation material.
  • 03.02.01.b. Inspect propagation material for evidence of pests or disease.
  • 03.03.01.a. Identify types of plant pests and disorders.
  • 03.03.01.b. Identify major local weeds, insect pests and infectious and noninfectious plant diseases.
  • 03.03.03.a. Describe pest control strategies associated with integrated pest management.
  • 03.03.03.b. Describe types of pesticide controls and formulations.

Required Instructional Materials and Resources: (List required materials including SDOC provided textbooks, including any fees that apply, etc.)

• Introduction to Horticulture – Prentice Hall / Interstate
• 3 ring notebook with paper

• Notebook dividers
• Signed parent form  

Optional Materials and Resources:

• Horticulture Lesson Plan Library – CAERT, Inc.
• Advisor’s Guide to the FFA Student Handbook