Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the horticulture industry and provide them with basic plant science knowledge that can be further developed in advanced horticulture courses. Major units of instruction include horticulture research, horticultural careers, plant anatomy, seed germination, plant propagation, growing media, pest management, hydroponics, identifying horticultural plants, growing greenhouse crops, and floral design. Improving computer and workplace skills will be a focus. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.
ISBE Course Code: 18052A001
Grade Level: 9 & 10
Length of Course: Year
Credit: 1 Unit
Quizlet Classroom: Horticultural Science
Membership:
Members must pay dues, or be members of an affiliated chapter, and are eligible for all activities, with the exception of those specifically restricted in the rules. Please reference your local FFA Constitution and By-Laws to determine how FFA Membership is conducted in your local chapter.
Degrees:
The local chapter will award Greenhand FFA Degrees to first year members and Chapter FFA Degrees to 10th and 11th grade members enrolled in an approved agriculture education class taught by a certified teacher. For more information on FFA Degrees, please visit https://www.ilaged.org/degrees
Leadership & Career Development Events:
Members are eligible to participate in career and leadership development events at the section, district, state and national levels. For more information about these events in Illinois, visit https://www.ilaged.org/CDE
Members are able to complete Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) records and compete for the honors through proficiency awards and degrees. To learn more about SAEs, visit http://exploresae.com.
By the end of 9th grade a student should be supported to:
revisit career cluster interest survey and take a career interest survey
complete an orientation to career clusters
attend a PS options workshop
meet with a counselor to discuss coursework and PS/career plans using the ISBE College and Career Readiness Indicators
begin determining eligibility for advanced placement (AP) courses
outline a plan for community service and extracurricular activities related to PS plans
complete a financial aid assessment with a family member
By the end of 9th grade a student should know:
one or two career clusters for further exploration and development
the relationship between HS cousework, attendance, and grades to PS plans
importance of community service and extracurricular activities to PS and career plans
general cost ranges of various PS options
By the end of 10th grade a student should be supported to:
visit at least one workplace aligned with career interests
complete an orientation course to a particular career cluster or cluster grouping
select a career pathway (CP) within a career cluster of interest
begin determining eligibility for AP courses
identify 2-3 adults to support the student through the PS and career selection process
review coursework, and PS/career plans in relation to the ISBE College and Career Readiness Indicators (every year)
attend a PS affordability workshop with a family member
By the end of 10th grade a student should know:
educational requirements, cost, expected entry level, and midpoint salary for occupations in selected CP
different types of PS credentials and institutions
general timing of PS entrance exams and applications
benefit of early college credit opportunities to PS access and completion
To view the full PaCE Framework click here.