Unit 1: Career Exploration in the Plant and Soil Sciences Industry
Students will learn about careers in various areas in the Plant and Soil Sciences Industry, the personal skills needed to obtain one of these jobs and how skills needed for success have changed over time. Students will understand the importance of time management, the importance of effective communication and appropriate interaction in the workplace as well as understand the importance of a first impression. This unit may culminate in an experiential activity designed to allow the students to create a resume and cover letter with a job description and to participate in a mock job interview with a panel of possible employees.
Unit 2: Laboratory and Field Investigations
This advanced plant and science course requires students to be engaged in experiential research based activities for 40% of the class. Students will conduct plant and soil science based laboratory and field investigations to further their knowledge in this area of study. Students will use the scientific method to plan, design and implement their investigation(s). Students will also collect, analyze and communicate their data and results from the investigation(s). Students are responsible for participating in a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) and may use this out of class laboratory time as the activity.
Unit 3: Scientific Method and Inquiry
This unit refreshes the students on the steps involved in conducting a scientific experiment by going over the scientific method. Students will understand that to be termed scientific, a conclusion must be based in gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence. Scientific theories will be discusses as well as formulating and testing hypotheses. Students will have the opportunity to conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses. They will learn about various tools available for measuring data.
Unit 4: Empirical Reasoning and Scientific Literature
This unit allows for students to gain a deeper understanding of how to read and interpret scientific data/research. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate and critique scientific papers, reports and marketing materials and describe their conclusions based on data presented.
Unit 5: Habitats and Ecosystems
This unit discusses the flow of energy and cycling of materials within habitats and ecosystems by discussing abiotic and biotic relationships. Students will learn about the benefits of native plants and the role in which they play in an ecosystem. Additionally, students will gain a better understanding of introduced and invasive plants and how it impacts the ecosystem. The students will gain a better understanding of how human activity impacts agriculture analyzing both negative and positive scenarios. As a culminating activity, students will research and debate a hot agricultural topic as it relates to the ecosystem and the environment.
Unit 6: Soil Genesis
Students will gain a greater understanding of soil and its role in agricultural production. Students will learn how soil is formed, the textural triangle, discuss the various soil horizons, soil structure and classifications of soil. Additionally, students will learn about soil conservation and management practices used to protect the soil for production usage. As a culminating activity, the students will evaluate a soil profile.
Unit 7: Environmental Systems and Conservation
This unit prepares the students to understand the importance of incorporating conservation practices in land use and management. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the value of our natural resources and in particular the impact of human activity on soil fertility and productivity. Students will appreciate the environment as a complete system and explain how regional changes in the environment may have a global effect. This unit culminates in an activity designed to allow students to demonstrate all they have learned about environmental systems and conservation.
Unit 8: Understanding Watersheds
This unit will discuss the term watershed and the many factors that affect the water and it’s qualities. Students will have the opportunity to research Texas watersheds and analyze the impacts of flood, drought, irrigation, urbanization and industrialization in the watershed. Additionally, students will learn about water quality and how water can impact a watershed.
Unit 9: Crop Production
Students will gain practical knowledge of the methods used in plant science as it relates to crop production. Students will learn how to select seed based on desired outcomes, read a seed packet and test for viability of seeds by conducting germination tests. Students will have the opportunity to conduct an in-situ plant trial and measure such variables as fertilizer amounts, plant spacing and varietal selection.
Unit 10: Plant Form and Function
Students will gain a deeper understanding of plant anatomy and physiology as well as learn how photosynthesis plays a huge role in plant function. Students will also learn about different cells from different parts and specialization of the plant. Students will also investigate how enzymes can impact plant cells. The unit culminates in an activity designed to allow students to demonstrate all they have learned about plant physiology.
Unit 11: Introduction to Genetics
This unit introduces students to the basics of genetics. Students will gain an understanding that plant breeding can be accomplished through many different techniques ranging from selecting plants with desirable characteristics for propagation to more complex molecular techniques. Students will learn about DNA, meiosis and mitosis as well as basic Mendelian genetics in order to understand phenotype and genotype. As a culminating activity, students will complete an activity utilizing a Punnett Square in order to demonstrate understanding.