Class Syllabus
Advanced Plant Sciences
Fall 2015 & Spring 2016
First Period: 7:45 – 8:30
Instructor:Mr. Jason Dieckhoff
phone: (816) 380-3253 ext: 7803 (work)(816) 383-3490 (cell)
email:
Course Description:
An advanced class specializing in all aspects of plant production. First semester will focus on crop production principles: plant biology, soil fertility and management, selecting crops & seeds, major economic crop production. Second semester will focus on greenhouse management: floriculture, insects, diseases, irrigation, fertilization, and marketing. Production of greenhouse crops will be used to demonstrate procedures such as plants started from cuttings and seeds. Greenhouse lab participation is required. Prerequisites: Ag Science I
Class Goals:
Students will understand the basic operation and management of a year-round production greenhouse with emphasis in industry composition, structures, plant growth, identification, propagation, nutrition, pest management, business management, and marketing. Students will be expected to work in the school greenhouse to gain hands on learning experiences.
Course Rationale:
Agriculture encompasses the food, fiber, conservation, and natural resourcesystem, employing over 20% of the nation’s workforce. Cutting, seedling grafting, layering, andmanagement of a greenhouse provide entry level and entrepreneurial opportunities for students with aninterest in horticulture.
Objectives / Essential Skills:
Compare and contrast the parts and functions and growth stages of monocot and dicot seeds and plants.
Understand the importance of soil fertility and how to manage fertility issues in the soil.
Identify major crop and weed seeds and plants.
Understand the growth pattern and management practices associated with major Missouri crops.
Recognize career opportunites in plant production.
Understand recordkeeping procedures and how to analyze financial forms for business improvement.
Describe the environmental effects on plant growth.
Understand how to propagate plants sexually and asexually.
Understand plant nutritional needs and how to meet those needs.
Prepare and manage a marketing plan for greenhouse sales.
Costs:
2” Notebook………………….. / On Your Own / Bring to class by: August 21stFFA Dues…………………….. / $15 / Due October 1st
FFA Jacket…………………….
Grading:
Quarter and Semester grades will be curved based on high score. Based on performance, students are guaranteed at least letter grade in table below:
PercentRange
/ Grade /PercentRange
/Grade
100 – 95 / A / 76 – 73 / C94 – 90 / A- / 72 – 70 / C-
89 – 87 / B+ / 69 – 67 / D+
86 – 83 / B / 66 – 63 / D
82 – 80 / B- / 62 – 60 / D-
79 – 77 / C+ / 59 – 0 / F
See Class Outline below for tentative schedule of class assignments, lab work, quizzes, and tests. In addition to those assignments:
- SAE / FFA Record book – 200 points
- Classroom / Lab Notebook – 100 points per semester
Tardy / Absence Policy:
- Students are allowed two tardies per quarter before disciplinary action is taken & their quarter grade is affected. A tardy is defined as failure to be within the student’s assigned seat at the beginning class bell.
- Students will be given every opportunity to make-up work, provided absence was excused. Students will be given one day for each day missed to turn in class assignments/projects for full credit. It is the student responsibility to find out if any work was missed during absence.
- During some class laboratory work, a participation or work ethic grade will be assessed. These points are only available for the specific laboratory. These points cannot be made-up. These points will only consist of about 5% of the quarter grade.
Class / Lab Guidelines:
- Respect and show consideration to all peers at all times.
- Respect the wishes of the instructor(s) at all times.
- Treat classroom, computer lab, greenhouse lab, mechanics lab, and all school property with proper care.
- Use of the bathroom, snack shack, water fountain, etc. must be before the beginning class bell.
- All students must remove all ball-caps & hats prior to the start of class.
- The use of electronic devices (phones, IPODs, etc) will only be allowed during appropriate times
- Cursing or the use of foul language is strictly prohibited.
- Soda or snacks are not permitted in any lab at any time
* Failure to follow class / lab guidelines will require disciplinary action in accordance with school policy
Electronic Devices
Student issued electronic devices will be utilized from time to time with-in the classroom. Students will only be allowed to use devices during appropriate times. At no time may a student use another student’s device without permission. Only content directly related to the curriculum will be allowed. All electronic data is run through the school’s WIFI and can be tracked. Failure to abide by the rules and ethical use of electronic devices will be subject to the disciplinary action of the classroom.
Class Discipline:
Class discipline will follow school policy. Class disruptions and interruptions will not be tolerated. All discipline will be based on the severity of the offense; however I will handle classroom discipline by:
1st – Verbal warning in class / conference after class
2nd – Conference in the hallway & parent phone call
3rd – Conference with Assistant Director in the office
Class Outline:
Unit
/Lesson
/ Assignments/Activity/Lab / Points / Your GradeFFA / SAE / 1: SAE Recordbook Update / Summer Update / 40
Greenhouse Safety / 1: Outline & Organization of Greenhouse
2: Greenhouse Safety Video / Safety Video / 32
Propagation / 1: Asexual Propagation Techniques
2: Sexual Propagation / Quiz / Lab
Lab / 110
50
Plant Biology / 1: Plant Parts, Structures, Functions
2: Plant Processes
3: Plant Life Cycles
4: Environmental Effects on Plant Growth / Crossword
Woodruff Irrigation Chart
Germination Trials Lab
Test / 25
25
50
87
End of First Quarter (October 16)
Soils & Fertility / 1: Soil Composition
2: Soil Types & Limitations
3: Soil Nutrients & Testing
4: Fertilizing
5: Soil Management
6: Soil Conservation / Worksheet
USDA Web Soil Survey
Quiz
Fertilizer Calculations
Farming Simulator Lab
Soils Test / 25
40
20
50
25
140
Crop Production / 1: Planning the Crop
2: Selecting a Variety
3: Selecting Tillage and Planting Methods
4: Selecting a Pest Control Program
5: Scouting & Maintaining the Crop
6: Harvesting the Crop / Crop Production Game Pre-Game Questions
Crop Production Game Play / 36
100
Precision Agriculture / 1: Introduction to GPS
2: Soil Maps
3: Yield and Nutrient Maps
4: Remote Sensing / Article Questions
Soil Sampling Analysis
Yield Mapping Lab
Test / 12
39
10
78
Semester Final / Exam / 10%
End of the Second Quarter (December 22)
Business Analysis / 1: SAE Analysis
2: Proficiency Awards / State Degree App.
3: Acquiring Money (Loans, Scholarships) / SAE Year End Analysis
Application
Scholarship Application / 50
100
Fruit & Vegetable Production / 1: Garden Site Selection
2: Integrated Pest Management
3: Vegetable Production
4: Fruit Production / Pest ID Quiz
Garden Plan & Calendar / 10
100
Floriculture / 1: Plant Identification
2: Crop Scheduling / Plant ID Test
Crop Scheduling Activity / 100
60
Floristry / 1: Corsages & Boutonnieres
2: Bud Vases
3: Wreaths / Corsage
Bud Vase
Group Wreath / 25
25
25
End of the Third Quarter (March 11)
Greenhouse Management / 1: Growing Media & Containers2: Irrigation
3: Fertilizers
4: Pests & Diseases
5: Pesticide Use / Worksheet Packet & Lab
Proper Watering
Worksheet
Sticky Cards
Test / 95
39
30
25
71
Horticulture Marketing / 1: Marketing Plans / Plant Sale Marketing Materials / 100
Semester Final / Plant Sale (May 6-7) / 10%
End of the Fourth Quarter (May 21)
Extra Credit will be given throughout the year by the instructor. Sufficient notice will be given to students as to requirements and due date for these opportunities.
Useful Resources:
Ball, Vic. Ball Red Book. Reston: Reston, VA. 1985.
Ecke, Paul. The Poinsettia Manual. Paul Ecke Poinsettias: Encinitas, CA. 1990.
Hunter, Norah. The Art of Floral Design. Delmar: Albany. 1994.
Nelson, P.V. Greenhouse Operation & Management. Prentice-Hall.
Reiley, H. Edward and Carroll Shry. Introductory Horticulture. Delmar: Albany. 1991.
Schroeder, Charles et al. Introduction to Horticulture. Interstate: Danville, IL. 1997.
Wells, Judith and Janet Anderson. Greenhouse Operation and Management. Instructional Materials Laboratory: University of Missouri. 1990.
American Horticulture Society:
Missouri Botanical Gardens:
Missouri Environment & Garden Newsletter:
OhioStateUniversity Horticulture Fact Sheets:
Rutgers Interactive Greenhouse Crop Budget:
University of Missouri Horticulture Links:
Education Enhancement Services:
The CassCareerCenter provides all students with multiple educational enhancement services including:
Career Placement / Internship
Counselor
- Learning Needs Services
Vocational Resource Educator
Scholarship Opportunities
If you are interested or in need of any of the services listed above, please inform the instructor. Every effort will be made to ensure student success in this course.
Embedded Credit:
Embedded academic credit will be available to those students who complete a three- or six-hour CTE (Career and Technical Education) program and specific, additional academic criteria. Harrisonville students are excluded from the embedded credit program.
One hour of communication arts credit will be awarded to students who meet all requirements for the established components of a portfolio. A scoring guide will assess each required element with minimum levels established.
One hour of mathematics credit will be awarded to students who meet all requirements for the established components set by the CCC Mathematics instructor.
CassCareerCenterFFA Organization:
Enrollment in any course in the Agriculture Department gives students the opportunity and obligation to participate in the National FFA Organization. The Cass Career Center FFA Chapter was established in 1949 to help students build leadership, career awareness, and technical skills in agriculture and natural resources.
The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
The Cass Career Center FFA holds many activities throughout the year to engage students in leadership and fun activities. Some of the activities include: local, area, and state leadership workshops, National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN, FFA Trap Shoot Team, hayride and bonfire, Fall Field Trip, American Royal, Western Farm Show, State FFA Convention, FFA Banquet, Judging Teams, and the Worlds of Fun Trip. Members raise money for these events through dues and annual Fruit, Meat, and Cookie Dough Sales.
Students are eligible to participate in many of the FFA’s award programs, based on their Supervised Ag Experience Program. Leadership positions as Chapter, Area, State, and National Officers are also available. Four FFA Degrees are awarded to members based on their level of participation. Also, over $3 million National, State, and Local Scholarships are available to seniors with FFA involvement and agriculture career interest.
Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) Programs
With supervised agricultural experience programs (SAEs), a student designs a program to gain hands-on experience and develop skills in agricultural career areas that interest them.
A SAE program is the actual, hands-on application of concepts and principles learned in the agricultural education classroom. Students are supervised by agricultural education teachers in cooperation with parents, employers and other adults who assist them in the development and achievement of their educational and career goals. There are three types of SAEs available for students at the CassCareerCenter:
Exploratory
Beginning students "explore" which aspect of the agriculture and natural resource industry they are interested in through supervised study and observation. Example programs include: volunteering at a local vet office, observing wildlife in forests, helping build a picnic table, etc..
Ownership
Students own a business, plants, or animals related to the agriculture or natural resource industry. Example programs include: owning a horse, owning a lawn mowing service, raising quail, operating a cow/calf herd, etc..
Placement
In this SAE, students work for a business in agriculture or natural resources. Example programs include: working at local farm, training horses, working at a local feed store, bailing hay in the summer, etc..
CassCareerCenter – Agriculture Education
Mr. Marshall Streit & Mr. Jason Dieckhoff
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Your child is enrolled in the Agriculture Education Program of the CassCareerCenter. Throughout the year, your child will be required to use and operate various tools and equipment under the supervision of certified instructors.
Instruction in the safe operation of assigned tools, equipment and procedures will be provided, and students will be tested on the safe use of each item. Extensive precautions will be taken to prevent certain accidents, but a certain risk is involved due to the nature of the experience and the learning environment.
Protective eyewear and clothing is required!
Please discuss with your child the necessity of observing safety policies that have been established for this program. Please call (816) 380-3253 ext. 7812 if you have any questions or concerns. A copy of this completed form will be provided to each student. Thank you for your cooperation.
Safety Contract Rules / Agreement for Students
I will…
- …follow all instructions given orally/written by the teacher
- …wear proper protection for eyes, face, hands, and body as needed
- …not eat, drink, or apply makeup in the laboratory or shop
- …perform only procedures that have been authorized by the teacher/instructor
- …know the location and use of all classroom, shop, greenhouse, and computer lab safety equipment and understand all emergency procedures
- …carefully dispose of all waste materials, return all tools and equipment to proper location, and sweep work area prior to being dismissed
- …behave in a safe and responsible manner at all times
Student:
I, ______agree to adhere to these safety rules and any additional safety instructions give by the instructor. I understand that I will lose daily grade points and/or possibly be removed from the course if I fail to fulfill this agreement.
______
Student SignatureDate
Parent/Guardian:
I have read this letter and understand the risks and requirements involved in this program. I will discuss the safety aspects, rules, and requirements of the program with my child. I understand that my child’s grade will be affected by failure to follow course requirements.
______
Parent/Guardian SignatureDateHome PhoneWork Phone
Instructor:
All efforts have been made by the instructor to inform students of rules, rights, and requirements of this program.
Instructor Signature
Adv Plant Science 2015-2016Page 1
Class Outline is tentative. Teacher has the right to delete, add, or amend to it throughout the school year. However, sufficient notice will be given to students as to changes in the Class Outline.