Botany is the scientific study of plants, or multi cellular organisms, that carry on photosynthesis. As a branch of biology, botany sometimes is referred to as plant science or plant biology. Botany includes a wide range of scientific subdisciplines that study the structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, ecology and evolution of plants. The study of plants is important because they are a fundamental part of life on Earth, generating food, oxygen, fuel, medicine and fibers that allow other life forms to exist. Through photosynthesis they absorb carbon dioxide, a waste product generated by most animals and a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

As with other forms of life, plants can be studied at many different levels. One is the molecular level, which is concerned with the biochemical, molecular and genetic functions of plants. Another is the cellular, tissue and organelle (a discrete structure of a cell that has a specialized function) level, which studies the anatomy and physiology of plants; and the community and population level, which involves interactions within a species, with other species and with the environment.

Historically, botanists studied any living being that was not an animal. Although fungi, algae and bacteria now are members of other kingdoms, according to the currently accepted classification system, they usually still are studied in introductory botany classes.

Assignment 1: Listen to the videos about Botany - list 10 facts that you learned about the Science of Botany.

Video 1: Types of plants

Assignment 2: Read the information on Photosynthesis - Complete the linked virtual lab. Copy the URL under the documents link - this will access the lab. Make a copy of the lab sheet and complete the lab. Follow the guide and answer the prompts as you go.

Gardens have a universal appeal. They brighten a dismal world. What is the importance of gardening at home and how can it help the environment?

Gardening is good for your health, your soil, and wildlife. It’s a great way to reduce stress, set goals, and learn to nurture something. It’s also a great way to become more sustainable at home.

Assignment 1: Importance of Gardening at Home: Use the linked material to research the benefits of gardening at home, how it impacts the environment (bees and butterflies), what are the superfoods you can grow and the benefits of those foods, what is the key to composting and campanion planting and the different types of gardens that can be used in different locations. (Inner city/rural/small spaces) What is the difference between organic and non-organic gardening?

In your notebook please take notes on the different sections that have been identified. You should have a section for each of the items listed.

Assignment 2: Research 3 plants of your choice that you would like to grow in a garden. Compare and describe the unique structure, function and needs for these plants to thrive. How do these plants benefit the individual? If the plant is a food source - what is the nutritional benefits? Does the plant have medicinal usage? You may make a multi-media/powerpoint/poster for this assignment.

Assignment 3: Eating the Rainbow!

Plants with different colors have different nutritional benefits. This is called phytonutrient content. Refer back to the 3 plants you chose for your garden. Add a section about the phytonutrients for each of your plants. Please use the following information/example of a plant chart to help you. Were the choices you made in plants from different color groups?

Phytonutrient

Phytonutrient - Plant chart

Assignment 1 - Landscaping Design Tips for Beginners: Read the article that has been linked. In your notebook take notes on the different points made in the article. You will use these notes later as you design an outdoor space.

What is Drawing to Scale - When a drawing is described as ‘to scale’, it means that each element in that drawing is in the same proportion, related to the real or proposed thing – it is smaller or indeed larger by a particular percentage.

Example: 1:2 ratio (scale) means that your drawing will be represented as 50% smaller than the original item. 1:4 ratio (scale) means your drawing will represent 25% the size of the original item. Notice the smaller number is the first number represented. This means your drawing is "shrinking" the original size. If the first number was larger - this would enlarge your item being drawn.

Assignment 4: Start growing plants for the garden space you designed. You will be required to keep a notebook recording the growth and health of your plants. This can also be a "container" garden. You will need the following:

1. What type of plants are you growing?

2. Are these plants annuals or perennials?

3. What is the photonutrients of the plants? (If applicable)

4. How long will it take the plant to germinate?

5. How much water and light do the plants require?

6. How long will it take the plant to reach full maturity?

7. What food source will your plant provide? (If applicable)

8. Are there any special requirements for growing these plants?

*Performance Task Guiding questions:

What is the purpose of your project?

What do you want others to learn from your project or presentation?

How can you apply/use the information or skills you learned in your life?

Bank of Experiment Examples (or you may choose your own).

Greenhouse project is available as preformance task for this course. It will take the majority of the year for completion. This can result in multiple credits depending on the extent and time invested in project.

Green Roofs - Develop model and presentation of topic - include pro's and con's, cost, health benefits etc.

Plants on the Move! - The objective of this plant biology science fair project is to determine how the amount of light affects a plant's phototropic response.

Harmful or Helpful? - The purpose of this science fair project is to find out the effect of different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on the roots of plant cuttings, and on seed germination

Hydroponics - Compare the rate of growth and plant vigor of hydroponically-grown plants to plants grown conventionally, in soil