Cranberry Science
It's time to shine! Students have the opportunity be part of the nationally recognized “SPLASH of RED CRANBERRY TOURS” and meet people from every state in the nation while increasing their knowledge in growing cranberries. Cranberry Science allows you to learn to speak to large groups of people and growing as an individual. The course will cover all aspects of the cranberry industry, while learning by giving cranberry tours. Student evaluations have given this class a 94% approval rating. Instruction includes the history of the cranberry industry and how it has evolved to its current status. Discussion of plant anatomy, growth, nutrition, and diseases is a priority. Field trips to marshes and local cranberry processing plants will also enhance curriculum. This course can be used to complete the Speech requirement for graduation.
Prerequisites: Sophomore, Junior or Senior status
½ credit
Course Overview
Cranberry Science will cover all aspects of Wisconsin’s official state fruit, which is the state’s number one fruit crop, both in size and economic value. Instruction includes the history of the cranberry industry and how it has evolved to its current status. Discussion of plant anatomy, growth, nutrition, and diseases is a priority. This course is designed to host the Splash of Red Cranberry Tours, which are an integral component and offer a comprehensive and interactive look at a cranberry operation, giving students an opportunity to teach what they’ve learned in class and practice public speaking and leadership skills while boosting local tourism.
Supervised Agricultural Experience Project (SAE): All students are required to participate in an SAE project, which will allow the active application of science based principles in a “learn by doing” environment. The project will be documented in the SAE Record Book. Projects types and parameters will be discussed in class, a minimum of 20 hours must be completed.
Unit 1-Cranberry History and Industry-2 days
Lesson 1-History of Cranberries in WI, USA and worldwide
Lesson 2-WI Cranberry Industry
Unit 2-Botany, Plant Improvement and Physiology-3 Days
Lesson 1-The Cranberry Vine
Lesson 2-Plant Cultivars and Selection
Lesson 3-Planting Techniques
Unit 3-Soils and Environment-5 days
Lesson 1-Site Selection
Lesson 2-Site Preparation
Lesson 3-Soil Judging
Lesson 4-Water Management
Lesson 5-Winter Management
Lesson 6-Environmental Regulations
Unit 4-Plant Nutrition-5 days
Lesson 1-Mineral Nutrition
Lesson 2-Tissue Testing
Lesson 3-Nutritional Deficiencies or Excess
Unit 5-Integrated Pest Management-5 days
Lesson 1-Levels of IPM
Lesson 2-Common Pest and Management Techniques
Lesson 3-Insect Management
Lesson 4-Disease Management
Lesson 5-Weed Management
Unit 6-Harvesting and Handling-2 days
Lesson 1-Harvesting Methods
Lesson 2-Harvesting and Handling Equipment
Unit 7-Economics and Sustainability-3 days
Lesson 1-Marketing
Lesson 2-Economics
Lesson 3-Sustainability and the Future
Unit 8-Agritourism-20 days (ongoing)
Splash of Red Cranberry Tours
Student Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, I would like the students to be able to:
Describe the impact of cranberries in WI and the USA.
Organize and apply knowledge of the cranberry industry.
Participate in a unique agritourism venture and offer an interactive experience for guests.
Demonstrate public speaking and communication skills.
Discuss the impact of the environment, plant nutrition and IPM on crop yields.
Recognize the management skills needed to own and operate a marsh.
Analyze and determine the age of beds, harvest stages and management techniques used on various marshes.
Determine and promote the need for sustainability, research and economic versatility of cranberries.