Standards

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster

General Horticulture and Plant Science

Course Number 01.46100

Course Description

This course is designed as an introduction for the Horticulture-Plant Science Pathway Program of Study. The course introduces the major concepts of plant and horticulture science. Classroom and laboratory activities are supplemented through supervised agricultural experiences and leadership programs and activities.

Course Standard 1

AFNR-GHPS-1

Demonstrate employability skills required by business and industry.

The following elements should be integrated throughout the content of this course.

1.1 Communicate effectively through writing, speaking, listening, reading, and interpersonal abilities.

1.2 Demonstrate creativity with multiple approaches to ask challenging questions resulting in innovative procedures, methods, and products.

1.3 Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving skills to locate, analyze, and apply information in career planning and employment situations.

1.4 Model work readiness traits required for success in the workplace including integrity, honesty, accountability, punctuality, time management, and respect for diversity.

1.5 Apply the appropriate skill sets to be productive in a changing, technological, and diverse workplace to be able to work independently, interpret data, and apply team work skills.

1.6 Present a professional image through appearance, behavior, and language.

Course Standard 2

AFNR-GHPS-2

Learns to work safely in the agriculture lab and work sites, demonstrates selected competencies in leadership through the FFA and agricultural industry organizations, and develops plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP).

2.1 Explain the role of the Agricultural Education program and the FFA in personal development.

2.2 Demonstrate knowledge learned through a SAEP.

2.3 Develop leadership and personal development skills through participation in the FFA.

2.4 Explore career opportunities in horticulture-plant science through the FFA and Agricultural Education Program.

2.5 Explore the professional agricultural organizations associated with the course content.

Course Standard 3

AFNR-GHPS-3

Identify plant parts, growth, and reproduction processes.

3.1 Compare and contrast the three phases of plant life (dormancy, vegetative, reproductive).

3.2 Describe the difference between annuals, biennials, and perennials.

3.3 Categorize vegetative structures and functions of plant parts (i.e.…leaves, stems, roots).

Georgia Department of Education

Georgia Department of Education

Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent

October 11, 2013 Page 2 of 3

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3.4 Sketch the sexual reproductive structures of plants and summarize their functions. (e.g.,

flower, fruit, seeds).

3.5 Sketch the sexual reproductive structures of plants and summarize their functions. (e.g.,

stems, roots).

Course Standard 4

AFNR-GHPS-4

Determine factors that affect plant development and growth.

4.1 Describe the process of photosynthesis and investigate factors affecting photosynthesis

in plants.

4.2 Describe the process of respiration and investigate factors affecting respiration in plants.

4.3 Differentiate between the growth processes of plants (e.g., germination, photosynthesis,

transpiration, respiration, osmosis).

Course Standard 5

AFNR-GHPS-5

Discuss the importance of sexual reproduction in plants.

5.1 Examine the importance of plant propagation.

5.2 Compare and contrast sexual and asexual propagation.

5.3 Describe the factors involved in planting seeds and demonstrate proper planting

methods.

Course Standard 6

AFNR-GHPS-6

Discuss the importance of asexual reproduction in plants.

6.1 Describe the various methods of vegetative propagation.

6.2 Apply information learned to correctly demonstrate each method of vegetative

propagation.

Course Standard 7

AFNR-GHPS-7

Determine the basic principles and uses of soil and plant growth media.

7.1 Identify and sketch soil materials and structure.

7.2 Evaluate the components and functions of a good growing media.

Course Standard 8

AFNR-GHPS-8

Identify macro, secondary and micro plant nutrients.

8.1 List and discuss the nutrients needed for plant growth.

8.2 Categorize common nutrient deficiency symptoms.

8.3 Assess soil pH, analyze plant nutrient availability and discuss methods of pH modification.

Course Standard 9

AFNR-GHPS-9

Explore the use of plant fertilizers and proper fertilizing methods.

9.1 Identify the components of a complete plant fertilizer.

9.2 Analyze the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers.

9.3 Demonstrate proper technique for applying water soluble and granular fertilizers.

9.4 Calculate accurate fertilizer ratios.

Course Standard 10

AFNR-GHPS-10

Evaluate the damage caused to plants by insects, weeds, diseases, and physiological disorders.

10.1 Identify common insects, weeds, diseases and physiological disorders.

10.2 Diagram the external structure of an insect.

10.3 Illustrate the complete and incomplete life cycles of insects.

10.4 Describe the damage inflicted by insects and weeds.

10.5 Describe common plant diseases and compare and contrast solution methods.

10.6 Identify the proper methods of controlling pests.

Course Standard 11

AFNR-GHPS-11

Compare and contrast the use of various plant growing containers.

11.1 Describe the containers used in plant production.

11.2 Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plant growing container.

Course Standard 12

AFNR-GHPS-12

Describe various plant irrigation methods.

12.1 Explain the different types of watering methods for plants.

12.2 Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of each type of watering system.

Course Standard 13

AFNR-GHPS-13

Explore plant science and horticulture careers and opportunities.

13.1 Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving skills in career planning in various plant science careers.

13.2 Analyze skills, education requirements, income, and advantages and disadvantages of careers in the plant science industry.