Horticulture and Landscaping

Horticulture Science Course Descriptions

Agriscience

Agriscience is an introductory laboratory science course that prepares students for biology, subsequent science and agriculture courses, and post-secondary study. This course helps students understand the important role that agricultural science and technology serves in the 21st century. In addition, it serves as the first course for all programs of study in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Cluster. Standards in this course are aligned with Tennessee Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in Technical Subjects, Tennessee Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, and Tennessee state standards in Anatomy and Physiology, Biology I, Biology II, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Physics, and Physical World Concepts, as well as the National Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster Content Standards. This course counts as a lab science credit toward graduation and college entrance requirements.* 

Principles of Plant Science and Hydroculture

Principles of Plant Science and Hydroculture focuses on essential knowledge and skills related to the science of plant growth. This course covers principles of plant health, growth, reproduction, and biotechnology, as well as fundamental principles of hydroponics and aquaponics. Standards in this course are aligned with Tennessee Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in Technical Subjects, Tennessee Biology I standards, Tennessee Biology II standards, Tennessee Ecology standards, and Tennessee Environmental Science standards, and National Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster Content Standards.* 

Greenhouse Management

Greenhouse Management is a applied-knowledge course designed to prepare students to manage greenhouse operations. This course covers principles of greenhouse structures, plant health and growth, growing media, greenhouse crop selection and propagation, and management techniques. It provides students with the technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in horticulture production. Greenhouse Management is a dual credit course with statewide articulation. Standards in this course are aligned with Tennessee Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in Technical Subjects, Tennessee Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, and Tennessee state standards for Biology I and Biology II, as well as National Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster Content Standards.* A state-wide articulation exists for this course for students to earn dual credit at Tennessee public post-secondary institutions, which offer agriculture. For more information, please visit www.tn.gov/education/opca/. 

Landscaping and Turf Management

 Landscaping and Turf Science is a applied-knowledge course designed to provide challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed for further education and careers in landscape design, maintenance, and turf management. Content includes site analysis and planning, principles of design, and plant selection and care techniques. Standards in this course are aligned with Tennessee State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in Technical Subjects, Tennessee Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, and Tennessee state standards for Biology II, as well as National Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster Content Standards.

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) (optional 1/2 credit each year for a max of 2 credits)

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is a structured experiential learning opportunity that takes place in a setting outside of regular school hours. Individual LEAs can choose whether or not to offer credit, provided participating students demonstrate mastery of the standards outlined below. SAEs allow students to experience the diversity of agriculture and natural resources industries and to gain exposure to agricultural-related career pathways. SAEs require a documented formal project scope, accurate record keeping, and student advisor supervision.  The following SAE standards align to the overarching framework of the Tennessee Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in Technical Subjects, the National Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster Content Standards and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills Framework for 21st Century Learning.