Jay County High School
Agriculture Curriculum Guide
Advanced Life Science: Plants and Soils
Grades 11 – 12
Advanced Life Science: Plants and Soils
ALS: Plants and Soils is a two semester course that provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of activities including laboratory work. Students study concepts, principles, and theories associated with plants and soils. Knowledge gained enables them to better understand the workings of agricultural and horticultural practices. They recognize how plants are classified, grow, function, and reproduce. Students explore plant genetics and the use of plants by humans. They examine plant evolution and the role of plants in ecology. Students investigate, through laboratories and fieldwork, how plants function and how soil influences plant life.Dual Credit:This course provides the opportunity for dual credit for students who meet postsecondary requirements for earning dual credit and successfully complete the dual credit requirements of this course.
- DOE Code: 5074
- Recommended Grade Level: Grade 11-12
- Recommended Prerequisites: Introduction to Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Plant and Soil Science, Chemistry, and Biology. ALS: Plants and Soils semesters should be taken in sequential order, however are not required to be taken consecutively.
- Credits: A 2-credit course over 2 semesters.
- Counts as a Directed Elective or Elective for the General, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas.
- One of the courses specified in the sequence of courses for all Career Clusters and all of Indiana’s College and Career Pathway Plans.
- This course is aligned with the following Post-Secondary courses for Dual Credit:
- Purdue University
- BTNY 11000 – Introduction to Plant Science
- Students must meet the science prerequisites of the course to obtain dual credit from Purdue.
Domain - Taxonomy and Classification
Core Standard 1
Students analyze the classification of organisms to understand diversity and the roles of each plant organism.
Academic Standard / Literacy Embedded Standard / Learning Activities / Assessment(s)ALSPS 1.1 Explain the classification of organisms based on a hierarchical taxonomy. / 11-12.RT.5
Analyze how the text structures information or ideas into categories or hierarchies, demonstrating understanding of the information or ideas. / Lesson B1-1 Classifying and Naming Plants / -students will apply their knowledge by using a website of plant pictures and identify the taxonomy of the plant by looking at it.
ALSPS 1.2 Distinguish the five kingdoms of organisms, and more specific taxonomy of agricultural species of plants. / 11-12.RT.4
Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific context relevant to grades 11-12 texts and topics.
/ Lesson B1-1 Classifying and Naming Plants / -Take a trip outside the classroom and find real life examples to identify parts
-grade labs based on if parts are labeled properly and the cell is built in the proper manner
ALSPS 1.3 Identify plants using a taxonomic key. / 11-12.RT.6
Analyze the author’s purpose in providing an explanation, describing a procedure, or discussing an experiment in a text, identifying important issues that remain unresolved.
/ Lesson B1-1 Classifying and Naming Plants / -grade worksheet that goes along with the transpiration experiment that ask the students to apply what they learned in each question
ALSPS 1.4 Develop a detailed knowledge base in plant biology (this includes cell biology, physiology, morphology, anatomy, genetics, classification, evolution and ecology of plants). (PU – BTNY 11000) / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently.
/ Lesson C2-1 Processes Within the Plant Cells
Lesson C2-2 Energy Transformation in Plants: Photosynthesis
Lesson C2-3 Cellular Respiration
Lesson C2.4 Separating Plant Pigments by Chromatography
Lesson D1-1 Examining Parts of a Flower / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
Domain - Molecules and Plant Cells
Core Standard 2
Students connect basic concepts of chemistry, biochemistry, and biological functions as they relate to the field of agriculture science.
Academic Standard / Literacy Embedded Standard / Learning Activities / Assessment(s)ALSPS 2.1 Compare and contrast molecules. / 11-12.RT.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text. / Lesson C2-1 Processes Within the Plant Cells
Lesson C2-2 Energy Transformation in Plants: Photosynthesis
Lesson C2-3 Cellular Respiration
Lesson C2.4 Separating Plant Pigments by Chromatography / -Scenarios on being a greenhouse contractor and what systems would they install
-test the strength of each structure demonstrating dead, live, and wind load
ALSPS 2.2 Explain the concepts of monomers and polymers. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson C2-1 Processes Within the Plant Cells
Lesson C2-2 Energy Transformation in Plants: Photosynthesis
Lesson C2-3 Cellular Respiration
Lesson C2.4 Separating Plant Pigments by Chromatography / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 2.3 Compare and contrast the different types of chemical bonds. / 11-12.RT.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text. / Lesson C2-1 Processes Within the Plant Cells
Lesson C2-2 Energy Transformation in Plants: Photosynthesis
Lesson C2-3 Cellular Respiration
Lesson C2.4 Separating Plant Pigments by Chromatography / - evaluate student performance on reading the light meter.
-Students will take care of their section of plants and I will evaluate their performance
ALSPS 2.4 Identify and differentiate between common groups of molecules. / 11-12.RT.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account.
/ Lesson C2-1 Processes Within the Plant Cells
Lesson C2-2 Energy Transformation in Plants: Photosynthesis
Lesson C2-3 Cellular Respiration
Lesson C2.4 Separating Plant Pigments by Chromatography / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 2.5 Compare and contrast animal, plant, and bacterial cells at the biological and chemical levels. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson C1-1 The Basis of Life
Lesson C1-2 Organic Compounds and Synthesis / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 2.6 Describe biochemistry and functions of plant cells, membranes, organelles, and cell walls. / 11-12.RT.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.
/ Lesson C2-1 Processes Within the Plant Cells
Lesson C2-2 Energy Transformation in Plants: Photosynthesis
Lesson C2-3 Cellular Respiration
Lesson C2.4 Separating Plant Pigments by Chromatography / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 2.7 Identify and demonstrate the principles of genetic expression within a genome. / 11-12.RT.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.
/ Lesson E1-1 Principles of Heredity: Albinism in Corn
Lesson E1-2 Principles of Heredity: Variation in Corn / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 2.8 Describe and compare cellular respiration in plants and animals. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson C2-3 Cellular Respiration / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 2.9 Compare and contrast photosynthesis and respiration. / 11-12.RT.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.
/ Lesson C2-1 Processes Within the Plant Cells
Lesson C2-2 Energy Transformation in Plants: Photosynthesis
Lesson C2-3 Cellular Respiration
Lesson C2.4 Separating Plant Pigments by Chromatography / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
Domain - Development and Function of Plant Systems
Core Standard
Students confirm that plants have a variety of cells and tissues with specific functions and systems to illustrate the relationship between certain specific chemicals in their processes.
Academic Standard / Literacy Embedded Standard / Learning Activities / Assessment(s)ALSPS 3.1 Apply the knowledge of cell differentiation and the functions of the major types of cells to plant systems. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson D3-1 Meristem Tissues and Cell Differentiation / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 3.2 Define primary growth and the role of the apical meristem. / 11-12.WT.3
Students will not write narratives in technical subjects. Note: Students’ narrative skills continue to grow in these grades. The Standards require that students be able to incorporate narrative elements effectively into arguments and informative/explanatory texts. In technical, students must be able to write precise enough descriptions of the step-by-step procedures they use in their technical work that others can replicate them and (possibly) reach the same results.
/ Lesson D3-1 Meristem Tissues and Cell Differentiation / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 3.3 Relate the active and passive transport of minerals into and through the root system to plant nutrition. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson D3-2 Root Tissues and Functions
Lesson D3-3 Stem Tissues and Functions
Lesson D3-4 Leaf Tissues and Functions
Lesson D3-5 Transpiration in plants / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 3.4 Describe the processes of translocation. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson D3-2 Root Tissues and Functions
Lesson D3-3 Stem Tissues and Functions
Lesson D3-4 Leaf Tissues and Functions
Lesson D3-5 Transpiration in plants / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 3.5 Explain how leaves capture light energy and allow for the exchange of gases. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson C2-2 Energy Transformation in Plants: Photosynthesis
Lesson D3-5 Transpiration in Plants / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 3.6 Identify the different types of flowers, the components of a flower, the functions of a flower and the functions of lower components. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson D1-1 Examining Parts of a Flower
Lesson D1-4 Tissue Culture / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 3.7 Apply the knowledge of seed and fruit structures to plant culture and use. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson D2-1 Conducting the Warm Germination Test and TZ Test for Seed Viability
Lesson D2-2 The Role of the Embryo in Germination
Lesson D2-5 Osmotic Turgescence: The Forces of Plant Growth / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 3.8 Describe and demonstrate techniques used to asexually propagate plants. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson D1-3 Propagating Plants Asexually / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 3.9 Identify the macro and micro nutrients essential for plant growth and describe some of their functions in plants. / 11-12.RT.8
Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis, and conclusions in a technical subject, verifying the data when possible and corroborating or challenging conclusions with other sources of information. / Lesson H1-1 Determining the Nature of Soil
Lesson H1-6 Understanding Moisture-Holding Capacity
Lesson H1-7 Understanding Soil Chemistry / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 3.10 Introduce the broad diversity of plant types and their importance to plant biology, agriculture, and other human endeavors. (PU – BTNY 11000) / 11-12.RT.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.
/ Lesson G1-1 Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Lesson G1-2 Maintaining Water Quality
Lesson G1-3 Effects of Pollutants on Plant Growth
Lesson G1-4 Fuels from Crops / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
Domain - Plant Genetics – Chemistry and Expression
Core Standard 4
Students apply concepts of the roles of t-RNA, m-RNA, DNA, other chemistry of genes and genomes, and a plant’s environment in reproduction and expression to understand how plants reproduce.
Academic Standard / Literacy Embedded Standard / Learning Activities / Assessment(s)ALSPS 4.1 Explain the structures of DNA and RNA. / 11-12.RT.8
Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis, and conclusions in a technical subject, verifying the data when possible and corroborating or challenging conclusions with other sources of information. / Lesson D1-4 Tissue Culture / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 4.2 Explain the molecular basis for heredity and the tools and techniques used in DNA and RNA manipulations. / 11-12.WT.9
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
/ Lesson D1-4 Tissue Culture / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 4.3 Analyze factors that influence gene expression. /
11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson D1-4 Tissue Culture / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 4.4 Validate how genotype influences phenotype. / Lesson D1-4 Tissue Culture
ALSPS 4.5 Research the term genome. / 11-12.RT.10
By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend technical texts in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. / Lesson D1-4 Tissue Culture / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 4.6 Evaluate the relationship between DNA replication, mitosis and meiosis. / 11-12.RT.8
Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis, and conclusions in a technical subject, verifying the data when possible and corroborating or challenging conclusions with other sources of information. / Lesson D1-4 Tissue Culture / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
ALSPS 4.7 Introduce research applications and methods in plant science. (PU – BTNY 11000) / 11-12.RT.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text. / Lesson A1-1 Exploring Research Methods in Agriculture
Lesson A1-2 Designing and Conducting Agricultural Research
Lesson A1-3 Using Scientific Measurement
Lesson A1-4 Reporting Agricultural Research
Lesson A1-5 Safety in the Laboratory
Lesson A1-6 Tools and Equipment in the Laboratory
Lesson F1-1 Evolutionary Trends
Lesson F1-2 Biotechnology / -Test (essay, multi-choice, t/f, etc)
-Quiz (vocabulary, concept, section)
-Film summary/critique
-Lab Report
-PowerPoint presentation, posters, pamphlets, essay, research paper
-Essay/Verbal summarization
-In class discussion question and answer
*Any or all assessments listed can b e utilized to effectively gauge student learning
Domain - Evolutionary Trends and Ecology