Horticultural & Environmental Science
Year 10 Elective
Course Description
Horticultural and Environmental Science is a subject for students who are interested in the environment, science, sustainability and who enjoy working outside. The course will allow you to participate in practical activities outside of the classroom. You will learn the basics in the field of horticulture within the extensive grounds of TSC and examine landscapes within the local area. This subject will explore the science behind plant growth and teach you to be able to identify common plants endemic to Tarneit, as well as those introduced from around the world. This subject will also provide an excellent grounding in Environmental Science. You will look at sustainability, human impact on ecosystems and climate change.
Outcomes - On completion of this unit students will be able to:
demonstrate competence in a range of practical skills required in the field of horticulture.
demonstrate an understanding the impact of human activity on global systems and effect of climate change on sea levels & biodiversity
demonstrate science inquiry skills including fieldwork and data analysis
The practical component of this subject will include:
development of horticultural skills - planting, site preparation, garden maintenance, plant propagation, soil analysis,
biodiversity fieldwork - air, water sampling, quadrat and transect sampling
The theory component of this subject will include:
plant science - requirements for plant growth, photosynthesis, plant transport systems, plant hormones
plant identification - knowledge of weed species, endemic species & introduced ornamental species
environmental science - based on the Victorian Curriculum - Global systems, including the carbon cycle, rely on interactions involving the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere
modelling a nutrient cycle within the biosphere, for example, the carbon, nitrogen or phosphorus cycle
investigating how human activity affects global systems
distinguishing between 'natural' and 'enhanced' greenhouse effects
investigating the effect of climate change on sea levels and biodiversity
Assessment Tasks
Practical activities and fieldwork investigations
Topic Test
Research and Data Analysis Assignments
Unit Exam
Pathways into VCE
VET Horticulture
Biology
Environmental Science
Outdoor and Environmental Science
Textbook requirements:
Included in School Bundle
Resources/Requirements:
School laptop provided in School Bundle
A4 Exercise Book & pens
Hat and gardening gloves for outdoor work
Additional Costs:
Excursions to parks & gardens - Myki will be required
Career Pathways
Career pathways include:
horticulturist, landscape gardener, grounds maintenance, nursery worker, environmental scientist, ecologist, park manager, environmental manager
If you enjoy or are good at this learning area, you can explore these occupations.