HORTICULTURE I

Mission: “Agricultural Education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.”*

Instructor: Mrs. Jensen

Email:

Room: 518 – Building E

School Hours: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Additional Help: I will be happy to assist anyone with advanced planning.

Required Materials:

·  3-Ring notebook/binder

·  Paper (preferably loose-leaf)

·  Pen/Pencil

Course Overview:

This course provides instruction on the broad field of horticulture emphasizing scientific and technical knowledge for a career in horticulture. Topics in this course include plant anatomy, plant growth and development, plant nutrition, media selection, basic plant identification, pest management, innovative

gardening techniques, customer relations, career opportunities, and leadership development. Skills in biology, chemistry, and algebra are reinforced in this course. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are agriscience projects, internships, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised

agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course students will be able to…

1.  Understand and explore the leadership opportunities found within the horticultural industry.

2.  Understand the careers offered in the horticultural industry.

3.  Demonstrate effective communication skills.

4.  Demonstrate and apply parliamentary procedure in a professional setting.

5.  Learn terminology used by professionals and identify common species of plants used in horticulture.

6.  Understand production practices and their necessities.

7.  Make connections between the local, state and national economies and how the horticultural industry impacts them.

8.  Understand the structure and physical make-up of soils and their nutrients.

9.  Plan a garden.

10.  Understand & identify common pests and diseases and the most effective methods of controlling them.

CTSO Description - FFA Membership:

FFA is the youth organization for students enrolled in the Agriculture Education program. Because it is part of the total Agriculture Education program, it is also taught as part of the class to incorporate leadership & technical skills. There are many activities throughout the year students can participate in above the school level to further develop these skills.

SAE – Supervised Agricultural Experience:

Agricultural Education uses a 3-circle model to express how a program works. Each circle interconnects. SAE is a student-lead project that allows them to pursue agricultural opportunities that are specific to each person’s interests. This counts towards the final grade. This year all records will be kept using an online records system.

Class Rules

1.  “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” - If you do this, then it will take care of everything else.

2.  Watch your mouth! - Maturity is expected from all students. Loud, abusive, vulgar language will not be tolerated. Be careful of what you say, how you say it, and whom you say it to. Your comments may be taken seriously.

3.  Be prepared - Do not walk around the classroom unless instructed to do so. Be prepared for class before the bell rings. Students are expected to bring the following to class each day. On lab days, students are expected to wear appropriate clothing. Students will know in advance when lab clothing is required.

4.  Clean up your mess - Students are expected to be responsible for their messes. Before leaving the classroom, all lab equipment, supplies, trash, etc. is to be cleaned up and stored in the proper place. The instructor will not clean up after students. The classroom is not a storage locker for the students. Please do not leave your personal belongings in the classroom. If you need an exception to this rule, please get approval in advance.

5.  Try your best - Students are expected to do their best on all assignments and projects. Students are not permitted to sleep during class. Student’s eyes must be open and visible to the teacher at all times. It is your “job” as a student to attend class and be receptive to learning.

6.  Be respectful - Students will respect the rights, feelings, and property of others. No student shall keep another student from learning. No student shall keep the instructor from teaching. Hats, caps or other head coverings, and sunglasses are to be removed in the classroom, it is common courtesy. For safety reasons, hats may be worn in the shop.

7.  Be mature - As students enter high school, the expected maturity level also increases. High school is supposed to prepare students to become productive, successful adults. All students are expected to behave as young ladies and gentlemen.

Classroom Policies & Procedures

Grading Policy: ALL students are now on the 10-point scale.

Retaking Tests: Tests may be retaken to achieve a higher score but no more than an 85. Retakes must be scheduled with the instructor and are only administered after school. Students are expected to study before retaking a test.

Absences:

If you’re absent, consult the Missing Work binder to find any hand-outs, note pages, etc. that you may have missed out on. We will not stop class just because you are gone. If the day’s work is missing from the binder, go to a classmate. If your classmates cannot help you, then come to me.

Academic Integrity:

Each member of our class will be held to a ZERO tolerance policy when it comes to plagiarism, cheating, etc. If caught cheating, your paper will be taken up & the consequence will be a “0”. Additionally, parents will be notified and a write-up referral will be submitted to the office. You will not be able to retake the assessment.

Cell phones: I take phones up at the beginning of each period & hand them back at the end.

Bellwork: Most days it will be posted on front board. Do this first! Keep up with it, there aren’t make ups for losing them. Bellwork will be graded at end of each week.

Chrome Books: They are a privilege, not a right; use when instructed

Borrowing Pens/Pencils:

If you come to class without a pen or pencil & you have to borrow one from Mrs. Jensen, your cell phone is collateral. Therefore, I will keep your phone until you return the writing utensil, unbroken. Bring extra pens/pencils.