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These Illinois skill standards for the agricultural laboratory and field technician cluster are intended to serve as a guide to workforce preparation program providers as they define content for their programs and to employers as they establish the skills and standards necessary for job acquisition. They could also serve as a mechanism for communication among education, business, industry, and labor. An introduction provides a sample format, occupational earnings and employment information, and performance skill levels, a table that cross references performance skills to these occupations: (1) agricultural lab technician--animal, (2) agricultural lab technician--plant, (3) agricultural field technician, and (4) agricultural biotechnology technician. Each skill standard contains these components: performance area; coding that identifies the state, fiscal year in which the standard was endorsed, subcouncil abbreviation, cluster abbreviation, and standard number; conditions of performance; work to be performed; performance criteria; performance elements; and performance assessment criteria, including product and process. The 53 skill standards are categorized into these 7 areas: safety (5 standards); administration (4); communication (2); basic laboratory skills (13); greenhouse/growth chamber (7); plant field trials (9); and animal care and field trials (13). (YLB)

This brief discusses growing cells in a microgravity environment for grades 9-12. Students are provided with plans for building a classroom bioreactor that can then be used with the included activity on seed growth in a microgravity environment. Additional experimental ideas are also suggested along with a history and background on microgravity growth environments. (MVL)

This student manual is presented in its first revision, providing a current, basic text for those preparing for greenhouse and floriculture work. Its fourteen chapters are: Overview of the Greenhouse Industry; Greenhouse Structures; Controlling the Greenhouse Environment; Greenhouse Equipment and Lighting; Greenhouse Irrigation Systems; Root Media and Containers; Nutrition; Integrated Pest Management; Plant Height Control by DIF; Bedding Plant Production (including Geraniums); Flowering Potted Plant Production--Poinsettias, Chrysanthemums, and Easter Lilies; Minor Potted Crops; Cut Flower Production; and Greenhouse Perennial Production. Listed at the beginning of each chapter are competencies that can be achieved as the result of studying information in that chapter. Related math and science concepts are also included at the beginning of each chapter. The list of "terms to know" provides familiarity with the industry terms used in that chapter and improves communication. At the end of each chapter, students can take a self-check on the information they have learned by using review questions. Page references are included for the information needed. Appendixes include 18 references, a glossary of terms, and an index. (YLB)

This document contains materials about and from a workshop that was conducted to help Ohio horticulture teachers learn to document student competence through effective performance assessments. The document begins with background information about the workshop and a list of workshop objectives. Presented next is a key to the 40 performance assessments that are included. A blank performance assessment form is provided for use in developing assessments for competencies not included in the document. A performance critique is provided to assist teachers in evaluating existing and newly developed performance assessments. The remainder of the document consists of the 40 performance assessments, which were developed by Ohio horticulture teachers and which contain the following components: Ohio Competency Analysis Profiles (OCAP) program name; unit number and title; competencies addressed by the performance assessment; terminal performance objective (outcome); competency builders/pupil performance objectives (criteria); list of applied academics competencies; list of equipment, supplies, and other resources to be provided; and list of preparations before the assessment starts. The following are among the agriscience and horticulture topics for which performance assessments are included: marketing and sales; floral design; greenhouse plant production; turf and landscape operations; nursery and garden operations; and soils. (MN)

These skill standards, developed through a consortium of educational and industry partners in Illinois, serve as guides to workforce preparation program providers to define content for their programs and to employers to establish the skills and standards necessary for job acquisition and performance. The skill standards include the following components for each skill defined: performance area; performance skill; skill standard; and performance elements and assessment criteria. This publication contains skill standards for retail garden center occupations defined on eight levels (parking lot attendant; delivery person; stock person; salesperson; hard goods and gifts manager; indoor plant manager; outdoor plant manager; and garden center manager) by increasing level of difficulty. Thirty skill standards are included in the areas of payment points; customer service; merchandising; maintaining tools and equipment; clean-up; displaying merchandising; soils; waste disposal; plant delivery; loss control; weed and insect control; emergency procedures; financial analysis; stocking and pricing merchandise; maintaining facilities; plant care; plant arrangements; landscape design; wreaths and Christmas trees; signs; aquatic plants and animals; accident and insurance reports and claims; and consumer complaints. The following items are appended: glossary; lists of Illinois Occupational Skill Standards and Credentialing Council, Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcouncil, and Retail Garden Center Standards Development Committee members; Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcouncil Retail Garden Center Cluster Recognition Proposal; and a list of workplace skills. (KC)

This document of skill standards for the greenhouse/nursery cluster serves as a guide to workforce preparation program providers in defining content for their programs and to employers to establish the skills and standards necessary for job acquisition. These 23 occupational skill standards describe what people should know and be able to do in an occupational setting. Each skill standard contains at least these three areas: performance area (summary of work to be performed); skill standard with conditions of performance, work to be performed, and performance criteria; and performance elements and assessment criteria. These sections may also be included: performance area and assessment and credentialing approach. Introductory materials include the developmental process; assumptions for greenhouse/nursery cluster standards; table of contents; and performance skill levels. Skill standards include: assist in erecting greenhouses and other facilities; select, operate, and maintain tools and equipment; prune plants; propagate and grow plants; plant and care for potted plants; and analyze, interpret, and enhance substrate fertility and water quality. Appendixes include a glossary; lists of committee and council members; and workplace skills. (YLB)

This document, which reflects Mississippi's statutory requirement that instructional programs be based on core curricula and performance-based assessment, contains outlines of the instructional units required in local instructional management plans and daily lesson plans for horticulture I and II. Presented first are a program description and course outlines. Section I contains curriculum frameworks for both courses, and section II contains outlines of the instructional units required in each course. Units in course I are as follows: horticulture careers and orientation, leadership development, plant structure and growth, plant classification and identification (taxonomy), plant growth media and nutrition, horticulture structures, basic plant propagation, horticulture chemical and pest management, basic principles of floristry, greenhouse crops, olericulture production, and interior plantscaping. Units in course II include the following: horticulture careers, nursery and landscape plant identification, advanced plant propagation, horticulture marketing and business procedures, container and field crop production, floriculture crop production, landscape design, landscape installation and construction, landscape maintenance, turfgrass installation and maintenance, pomology production, and advanced floral design. Each unit includes suggested time on tasks, competencies and objectives, teaching strategies, assessment strategies, and resources. Recommended tools and equipment are listed in section III. Appended are lists of related academic topics and workplace skills for the 21st century and student competency profiles for both courses. (YLB)

This document contains lesson plans for a four-unit course in agriculture for sustainable development and is accompanied by a video tape and a booklet that discusses existing and future agricultural practices. Each unit of the document contains some or all of the following components: an introduction; objectives and competencies addressed; a list of equipment, supplies, references, and other resources; three or four learning activities; a question-and-answer game based on the format of the television game show "Jeopardy"; problem-solving techniques; illustrations of agricultural operations; material safety data sheet examples; and sample newspaper articles. The topics of the four units are as follows: (1) sustainable agriculture (investigation and analysis of agricultural practices as related to conservation tillage and best management practices); (2) innovative chemistry and conservation tillage (advantages and disadvantages of pesticide applications and the interrelationship of herbicide use with conservation tillage); (3) genetically improved plants (implications of genetically improved plants to our society and for agriculture on a global basis); and (4) Third World impact and global stability (the economic importance and interdependency of agriculture throughout the world). (MN)

This workbook for teaching a biology course is organized into three sections: (1) teacher guidelines; (2) suggested experiments; and (3) apparatus requirements and evaluation schemes. Some of the topics covered in the 30 biology experiments contained in this book include soil analysis, geotropism, bowfly larvae, germination, seed dispersal, flower structure, transpiration, energy in food, testing urine, testing for starch, enzyme reactions, and temperature regulation. Detailed safety and equipment instructions as well as worksheets are provided for each activity. (DDR)

This book is designed to survey the area of retail floriculture and make a current statement of the industry. The subject matter includes a blend of art, science, and business. It can be used in the following ways: by students pursuing individualized study; in a classroom where the instructor will reinforce, demonstrate, and expand upon the ideas; or by former students or flower shop employees who need a refresher tool and reference. The book is intended to be motivational while presenting a realistic picture of arranging and selling flowers and plants. Suggested activities are located in each chapter as hands-on exercises to provide the experience and practice necessary to master the concepts presented. Thirty-two chapters cover the following topics: introduction; elements of design; principles of design; fresh cut flowers and foliage; mechanics, supplies, and safety; corsages and boutonnieres; bud vases and rose bowls; decorating potted plants; mass arrangements; accessories, bases, and backgrounds; dried flowers; silk flowers; table settings; wedding floral design; sympathy flowers; living plant groupings; novelty arrangements; special occasions and holidays; period arrangements; contemporary arrangements; retail floriculture industry; sales and service; wrapping and packaging; pricing; organization and efficiency; store displays; conditioning and storing cut flowers; care of living plants; delivery; advertising and promotion; and keeping current. A subject index is provided. (YLB)

Growing Ideas, the National Gardening Association's series for elementary, middle, and junior high school educators, helps teachers engage students in using plants and gardens as contexts for developing a deeper, richer understanding of the world around them. This volume's focus is on hydroponics. It presents basic hydroponics information along with suggestions for helping students discover concepts on their own, and includes numerous examples from actual classrooms where teachers explore this growing technique with their students. Also included are suggestions for supporting students' varied learning styles in both cooperative and individual activities. Chapter titles are: "The What and Why of Hydroponics"; "Meeting Plant Needs"; "Choosing and Nurturing Plants"; "Exploring Hydroponics in Your Classroom"; "Choosing Systems"; "Simply Super School-Made Soilless Systems"; "Resources and Suppliers"; and "Appendix: Homemade Nutrient Mix." (MKR)

The "Kids for Trees" program described in this guidebook is a hands-on natural resource management experience where students raise trees from seedlings to harvest and manage other natural resources in a sustainable manner. Sections of the book include key concepts, getting started, needs of different kinds of trees, learning about potential growing sites, caring for the tree, raising willows, maximizing the educational value, and keeping the program going. Appendices contain a discussion of record keeping and a list of resources. (MKR)

Magnificent Mum Education Program is a theme-based program developed around the garden mum. With its bright colors, various flower forms, perennial life cycle, and easy propagation, the garden mum is ideal for classroom use and community planting programs. The mum-theme lessons can be integrated into all subject areas including science, math, reading, social studies, language arts, art, and environmental studies. This program is not meant to replace core curriculum but rather to reinforce basic concepts and to enrich lessons. Intended for grades 4-5 lesson plans cover the following topics: structure, function, and size; identification, comparison, and classification in the mum family; diversity and development; the life cycle of the mum; planting, pinching, and propagating; light and temperature; soil and soil helpers; water; plant helpers and plant harmers; getting to know the garden; and garden decisions and design. Basic information and tips for the teacher, creative projects, enrichment ideas, school and community projects, and reproducible worksheets are also included. The teacher resource kit includes stickers, a poster, and fact sheets. (JRH)

This manual is intended primarily to train seed collectors, seed-plant managers, seed analysts, and nursery managers, but can serve as a resource for any training course in forest regeneration. It includes both temperate and tropical tree species of all intended uses and covers the following topics: seed biology, seed collection, seed handling, seed-quality evaluation, seed protection, seed basics for nurseries, seed programs, and practical exercises. Contains 91 references. (Author/JRH)

Britain's National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work qualifications that measure what an employee or potential employee can do as well as how much he or she knows and understands about a particular job. Used as written proof of usable workplace skills that can be put to profitable use by an employer, NVQs range from basic Level 1, for everyday routine tasks, up to Level 5 professional skills, providing a way to develop skills and build a career ladder that benefits both employer and employee. This packet contains NVQ competency lists for the following jobs: (1) agriculture, levels 1-4 (crop and livestock production and livestock management); (2) agriculture and commercial horticulture, levels 1-4 (mechanized field crop production and crop management); (3) commercial horticulture, levels 1-3 (fruit crop production, intensive crop production, mushroom crop production, and nursery stock production); and (4) environmental conservation, levels 2-4 (landscape and ecosystems). (KC)

This folder contains 12 fact sheets designed to improve the quality of gardens near the Great Lakes. The titles are: (1) "Your Garden and the Great Lakes"; (2) "Organic Gardening"; (3) "Fruit and Vegetable Gardening"; (4) "Composting Yard Wastes"; (5) "Herbicides and Water Quality"; (6) "Watering"; (7) "Soil Erosion by Water"; (8) "Soil Fertility"; (9) "Pest Management"; (10) "Landscaping"; (11) "Attracting Birds Naturally"; and (12) "Lawns." (MKR)

The Magnificent Mum Education Program is a theme-based program developed around the garden mum. With its bright colors, various flower forms, perennial life cycle, and easy propagation, the garden mum is ideal for classroom use and community planting programs. The mum-theme lessons can be integrated into all subject areas including science, math, reading, social studies, language arts, art, and environmental studies. This program is not meant to replace core curriculum but rather to reinforce basic concepts and to enrich lessons. Intended for grades 2-3, lesson plans cover the following topics: structure, function, and size; identification, comparison, and classification in the mum family; diversity and development; the life cycle of the mum; planting, pinching, and propagating; light and temperature; soil and soil helpers; water; plant helpers and plant harmers; getting to know the garden; and garden decisions and design. Basic information and tips for the teacher, creative projects, enrichment ideas, school and community projects, and reproducible worksheets are also included. The teacher resource kit includes stickers, a poster, a reference list, and fact sheets. (JRH)

Developed through a modified DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process involving business, industry, labor, and community agency representatives in Ohio, this document is a comprehensive and verified employer competency profile for floriculture and greenhouse occupations. The list contains units (with and without subunits), competencies, and competency builders that identify the skills needed to enter these occupations. The occupational, academic, and employability skills for this occupation or occupational area are included. Within the outline are three levels of items: core, advancing, and futuring. Core items identify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for entry-level employment. These items are required to be taught and will be the basis for questions on the state vocational competency tests. Advancing items identify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to advance in the occupation; futuring items identify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to enter and remain in a given occupation 3 to 4 years from now. Titles of the eight units are as follows: general safety precautions; equipment maintenance; marketing and sales; merchandise handling; business management; floral design; greenhouse plant production; and employability skills. (YLB)

These lesson plans are intended for use in conducting classes on sexual plant reproduction. Presented first are an attention step/problem statement and a series of questions and answers designed to convey general information about sexual plant reproduction/propagation. The following topics are among those discussed: sexual and asexual plant propagation, seeds and seed parts, types of seeds, monocot and dicot seeds, germination, stages of germination, seedling parts, environmental conditions needed for germination, plant media, germination rate, planting depth, and the relationship between soil temperature and planting depth. Also provided are the following: a glossary of pertinent scientific terms, 3 worksheets, answers to the worksheets, a quiz and quiz answers, 14 overhead transparency masters, and lesson plans for teaching students to test seed for germination percentage and sow seeds. Each lesson plan includes an objective, list of equipment needed, student activity record sheet, and detailed steps for completing the activity. (MN)

These lesson plans are intended for use in conducting classes on asexual plant reproduction. Presented first are an attention step/problem statement and a series of questions and answers designed to convey general information about asexual plant reproduction/propagation. The following topics are among those discussed: plant reproduction methods, advantages of asexual reproduction, seven types of asexual reproduction, environmental factors needed for taking cuttings, favorable conditions for taking cuttings, processes occurring when a stem cutting is made, and steps in taking successful cuttings. Also provided are the following: a glossary of pertinent scientific terms, four worksheets, answers to the worksheets, two quizzes, answers to the quizzes, eight overhead transparency masters, and lesson plans for conducting learning activities on making a propagation pot, propagating plants by stem cuttings, and checking and caring for cuttings. Each lesson plan includes some or all of the following: objective, list of equipment needed, student activity record sheet, and detailed steps for completing the activity. (MN)

This outline is intended for use in a unit of 10-12 lectures on plant growth and development at the introductory undergraduate level as part of a course on organismal biology. The series of lecture outlines is structured around the life cycle of rapid-cycling Brassica rapa (RCBr). The unit begins with three introductory lectures on general plant biology entitled: (1) "What It Means to Be a Plant"; (2) "The Plant Life Cycle"; and (3) "Seeds and Seed Dormancy." Students plant RCBr seeds at the beginning of lecture 4 and observe their plants at each successive class period, as the lecturer discusses aspects of plant development in the context of the RCBr life cycle. The remaining lecture titles are: (4) "Seed Germination"; (5) "Utilization of Food Sources"; (6) "Environmental Effects on Plant Growth and Development"; (7) "Hormonal Integration of Plant Growth and Development"; (8) "Hormonal Mediation of External Signals: A Case Study"; (9) "Flowering and Alternation of Generations"; and (10) "Photoperiodism and Flowering." Lectures 7 and 10 can be split to create 12 lectures. Figures referenced throughout the document are found in Appendix A. Appendix B includes a question set to assist students in their study and understanding of the unit. Appendices C and D are intended to provide students with some perspective in their approach to the unit. A bibliography includes 9 references. (MDH)

This activity guide provides children in grades kindergarten through six with hands-on learning experiences while they nurture an acorn into a young oak tree. Each of 10 activities and numerous extensions help students gain awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the important role oaks play in the natural and cultural history associated with the California landscape. The activities build on themes, concepts, and learning processes outlined in school district and state-adopted curriculum frameworks. Curriculum connections are made with science, social studies, language arts, mathematics, and the arts. In addition, the skills of learning, such as being able to make observations, comparisons, and inferences, and to organize, relate, apply, and communicate information are built into each activity. The guide contains an introduction with suggestions for implementing the project, a checklist of materials needed, and recommended assessment method. Each of 10 activities contains objectives, methods, curriculum materials, background information, activity procedures, follow-up activities, evaluation methods, references, and worksheets. Three appendices contain suggestions for: (1) encouraging student observation and information gathering; (2) planning a tree-planting ceremony; and (3) agency, organization, and additional materials resources (25 entries). (LZ)

This instructor guide and the corresponding student reference contain 12 units, which cover the following topics: (1) opportunities in the landscaping and turfgrass industries; (2) how plants grow; (3) plant identification; (4) hand and power tools (identification and maintenance); (5) pesticides; (6) installation and maintenance of trees and shrubs; (7) installation and maintenance of bedding plants and ground covers; (8) turfgrass; (9) site analysis and evaluation; (10) plant identification and selection; (11) design elements; and (12) cost estimates. This material is designed to be taught to junior and senior high or vocational school students as a 1-year course. In the instructor's guide, each lesson in a unit contains some or all of the following: objective, study questions, references, teaching outline, student test with answers, transparency masters, job sheets, and assignment sheets. Plant identification and selection tables are located in the student reference. (NLA)

This pamphlet presents some innovative thoughts and suggestions to make gardening an "accessible" activity for any gardener, able-bodied or disabled. For gardeners with special needs, workability of the garden must take precedence over a conventional garden design. Designs to consider include raised bed gardens, garden containers such as whiskey barrels and drainage pipes, and commercial garden containers. Deciding what to plant requires consideration of the size of the garden, amount of time available, location, personal taste, and ability to harvest and store produce. Tools can be matched to specific needs, such as tools appropriate for use from a seated or kneeling position, tools for people who find it painful or impossible to bend, tools for use by one-handed gardeners, and tools for those who have a weak grasp or limited dexterity. Suggestions are offered for protecting body posture and for adapting available tools. Twenty-four sources for special tools are listed. (14 references) (JDD)

This guide contains 45 program standards for the environmental horticulture program conducted in technical institutes in Georgia. The standards are divided into 12 categories: foundations (philosophy, purpose, goals, program objectives, availability, evaluation); admissions (admission requirements, provisional admission requirements, recruitment, evaluation and planning); program structure (curriculum design, program numbering system, program consistency, exit points, credentials, course code, course consistency, course sequence, electives, course transferability); program evaluation and planning (program evaluation; program planning; enrollment, graduation, and placement levels; attrition levels; student performance); instructional program (course content; course objectives; course instruction; occupation-based instruction; evaluation of students; grading system; laboratory management; equipment, supplies, and materials; physical facility); academic skills (academic requirements); employability skills (job acquisition, job retention and advancement); staff (faculty qualifications and responsibilities); advisory committee (function, membership, meetings); special needs (commitment); equity (commitment); and health and safety (commitment). Each standard consists of these components: standard statement, explanatory comment, and evaluative criteria. (KC)

This program guide contains the standard environmental horticulture curriculum for technical institutes in Georgia. The curriculum encompasses the minimum competencies required for entry-level workers in the environmental horticulture field. The general information section contains the following: purpose and objectives; program description, including admissions, typical job titles, and accreditation and certification; and curriculum model, including standard curriculum sequence and lists of courses. The next three sections contain the courses: general core courses (English, mathematics, interpersonal relations and professional development); fundamental technical courses (horticulture sciences, woody ornamental plant identification, herbaceous plant identification, greenhouse management I, horticulture construction, nursery production, landscape design, landscape installation, pest control); and specific technical courses (greenhouse management II, landscape management, garden center management, environmental horticulture internship). Each course consists of the following: a course overview (description, competency areas, prerequisites, credit hours, contact hours); course outline with student objectives and class and lab hours; and resource list. An appendix to the guide lists equipment needed for the program. (KC)

This packet contains six science learning activities that can be used in agricultural education courses. The activities cover these topics: (1) determining the effects of soil drainage on plant growth and development; (2) determining the effect of soil compaction on plant growth and development; (3) inoculating legume seeds to promote nodule formation; (4) propagating plants; (5) determining the effects of rhizobium japonicum and nitrogen fertilizer on nodulation and plant growth; and (6) determining effects of frost/hail damage on plant growth. The lesson plans for the activities consist of the following elements: agricultural subjects and science principles included in the lesson, agricultural applications, student objectives, activity length, group size, vocabulary, materials required, instructional strategies and procedures (overview and results), key questions, and evaluation. One to three references are given for each activity, and each includes a data record and observation sheet. (KC)

Explains the process of establishing transgenic plants which is a very important tool in plant biology and modern agriculture. Produces transgenic plants with the ability to synthesize opines. (Contains 17 references.) (YDS)

Introduces the plant Amaryllis, which is the common name for the Hippeastrum species. Describes how to grow and bloom Amaryllis in soil using hydroponics. Introduces experiments investigating the anatomy of the bulb, growing and elongation rates, the flower, and foliage. (Contains 21 references.) (YDS)

Presents the history and explains the basics of hydroponics. Discusses the two categories of hydroponic systems, water-culture systems and media-based systems. (YDS)

Discusses Knob's solution, which was considered the ideal plant growth solution in 1865, and recommends eliminating Knob's solution from active teaching. Describes solution culture basics including nutrient solutions, containers and aeration, and plants and light. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Describes an experiment in which students design the experiment and observe different liquids' effects on germination. Presents directions for laboratory writings. (YDS)

Presents a soybean project designed with an interdisciplinary approach that includes the stages of planting soybeans, studying the impact of rhizobium bacteria on soybean root development, synthesizing the raw oil to methyl ester, testing of biodiesel on a hybrid electric car, and studying the commodities market. Integrates plant science, genetics, chemistry, and engineering. (YDS)

Presents three activities using pearl onion bulbs to illustrate plant growth and plant propagation under various conditions. (WRM)

This manual, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Point Four program, presents critical features and principles of using bamboo as a building material. Information provided in the manual includes the following: parts of a house for which bamboos are suitable, bamboo reinforcement of concrete, geographical distribution of bamboos, differences among species, some bamboos used in housing, shortcomings of bamboo and how to overcome them, preservation, skill requirements, tool requirements, differentiation and evaluation of species of bamboo, and collecting specimens for identification. A list of the salient features of different types of bamboo species is included. The publication is illustrated with line drawings and photographs. A list of references completes the manual. (KC)

This manual is intended for use by Peace Corps volunteers as a resource for gaining an understanding and knowledge of basic horticultural principles and practices of orchard management. Addressed in the individual units of instructional text are orchard soils; botany of horticultural plants; insect and disease control in orchards; pome, stone, citrus, vine, and tropical fruits; and nuts. Appendixes to the manual contain a series of practical exercises dealing with photosynthesis, plant reproduction, and transpiration. (MN)

This first volume of a two-volume curriculum guide contains 11 problem areas selected for study to be included in a core curriculum for 11th-grade or third-year students enrolled in a metropolitan agricultural program. The 11 problem areas are divided into eight units: Orientation to Agricultural Occupations (Gaining Employment), Supervised Occupational Experience (Evaluating Supervised Occupational Experience Programs and Analyzing Student Records), Leadership in Horticulture/Agriculture (Utilizing Horticultural Organizations and Resources), Horticultural /Agricultural Mechanics (Repairing Greenhouse or Horticultural Equipment, and Plumbing and Irrigation Systems), Plant Propagation (Propagating Softwood Cuttings, and Propagating Woody Plants by Budding and Grafting), Plant Identification (Reviewing and Applying Plant Identification Skills), Growing Horticultural Crops (Growing Small Fruits and Brambles, and Growing Tree Ftuits), and Identifying and Controlling Pests of Horticultural Plants (Handling Pesticides Safely and Passing Certification Tests). A rationale for omitting Unit I, on Urban Animals, From Core III, is contained in the document. Each problem area includes some or all of the following components: suggestions to the teacher, a teacher guide (containing objectives, suggested interest approaches, anticipated student problems and concerns, suggested learning activities and experiences, application procedures, an evaluation, references, and aids), information sheets, student worksheets or assignment sheets with a key, job sheets or laboratory exercises, transparencies, a discussion guide for transparencies, and sample test questions with a teacher key. (YLB)

The booklet, intended to acquaint students or visitors with the herb garden at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center (Rockville, Maryland), describes 25 herbs and suggests ways to extend learning further by providing historic background and other information about the herbs. Each herb is described on a separate page, with each listing including a drawing, common and botanical name, type (perennial, biennial, annual, shrub, or tree), brief history, cultivation preferences, uses (culinary, medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental), and suggestions for preservation. Herbs covered are lemon balm, sweet basil, sweet bay, chamomile, chive, dill, garlic, scented geraniums, hyssop, lamb's ears, lavender, sweet marjoram, apple mint, oregano, parsley, pennyroyal, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sage, santolina, savory (winter and summer), French tarragon, thyme, and lemon verbena. (MH)

This agricultural curriculum guide on horticulture for secondary students is one of six developed for inservice teachers at Marianas High School in Saipan. The guide provides the rationale, description, goals, and objectives of the program; the program of studies and performance objectives by levels; samples of lesson plans for effective delivery of instruction; and a listing of references. Concepts covered include orientation to horticulture, terminology, plant classification, horticulture mechanics, pest control, plant propagation, field preparation, and soils. Classroom activities are combined with gardening experiences. Appended materials include lesson plans, student activities, and tests. (CT)

This curriculum guide contains five units with relevant problem areas for horticulture. These problem areas have been selected as suggested areas of study to be included in a core curriculum for secondary students enrolled in an agricultural education program. Each problem area includes some or all of the following components: related problem areas, prerequisite problem areas, occupational tasks addressed, learning assessment plan sheets, instructor's guide, information sheets, student worksheets or assignment sheets and keys, demonstrations, transparency masters, and a discussion guide for transparencies. Suggestions are made for use of the core materials, including specific suggestions for using the different components of a problem area. The five units are as follows: (1) horticultural business operation and management; (2) horticultural science and production; (3) horticultural mechanics; (4) landscaping; and (5) floral design. (NLA)

This competency-based curriculum unit on implementing the landscape plan is one of five developed for classroom use in teaching the landscape/nursery area of horticulture. The seven sections are each divided into teaching content (in a question-and-answer format) and student skills that outline steps and factors for consideration. Topics covered include laying out the landscape plan, installing drainage systems, installing irrigation systems, preparing the soil, selecting plant materials, planting flowers by seed and transplanting, and establishing the lawn by seed or sod. A list of references precedes a section containing visual aids, student skill checklist, and student activities, such as field trips, handouts, discussion activities, worksheets, crossword puzzles, hands-on experiences, tests, and quizzes. Answer keys are provided. (YLB)

This competency-based curriculum unit on nursery propagation is one of five developed for classroom use in teaching the landscape/nursery area of horticulture. The four sections are each divided into teaching content (in a question-and-answer format) and student skills that outline steps and factors for consideration. Topics covered include planting the seed, transplanting the seed, propagation by cuttings, and grafting. A list of references precedes a section containing visual aids, student skill checklist, and student activities, such as field trips, handouts, discussion activities, worksheets, crossword puzzles, hands-on experiences, tests, and quizzes. Answer keys are provided. (YLB)

This competency-based curriculum unit on maintaining the landscape is one of five developed for classroom use in teaching the landscape/nursery area of horticulture. The five sections are each divided into teaching content (in a question-and-answer format) and student skills that outline steps and factors for consideration. Topics covered include watering plants, mulching plants, directing plant growth, pruning the landscape, and mowing the landscape. A list of references precedes a section containing visual aids, student skill checklist, and student activities, such as field trips, handouts, discussion activities, worksheets, crossword puzzles, hands-on experiences, tests, and quizzes. Answer keys are provided. (YLB)

Each section contained in this packet is necessary for designing an effective program of agriculture education. The curriculum guide that is developed from this model should include the same sections. The model includes: (1) community description; (2) school description; (3) goals and objectives of education in agriculture; (4) evaluation policy; (5) development procedures for an advisory committee; and (6) unit outlines. Unit outlines are examples of Iowa's vocational education in agriculture programs, which are intended to help students apply communications, situational analysis, and problem-solving skills to agricultural work settings. Each unit contains the following information: course name; unit name; unit objectives; introduction/situation; unit sequence--problem area(s), lesson title, and lesson objectives; and unit evaluation. Section I contains six units: home landscape maintenance; house plant propagating and care; turf management; windbreaks; fruit and vegetable crops; and potted mum production. Four units in section II cover these topics: agriculture processing--meats; biological farming; daily personal skills; and farm law. Section III includes six units: tomato production; strawberry production; sweet corn production; lawn care; pasture management; and corn production. Topics in section IV are as follows: chain saw safety; arc welding; farm wells; water quality; plumbing; and liquid petroleum gas. Section V contains eight units: hunting and hunter safety; predator control and trapping; game bird production; beekeeping/honey production; small animal pets; animal rights in veal production; dairy production; and beef production. (NLA)

This Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) unit challenges students to grow plants and to determine some purpose for their use (transplanting, selling, gifts). The challenge is general enough to apply to many problem-solving situations in mathematics, science, social science, and language arts at any elementary school level (grades 1-8). The Teacher Resource Book for the unit is divided into five sections. Section I describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of USMES "challenges." Section II provides an overview of possible student activities with comments on prerequisite skills, instructional strategies, suggestions when using the unit with primary grades, flow charts illustrating how investigations evolve from students' discussions of an advertising problem, and a hypothetical account of intermediate-level class activities. Section III provides documented events of actual class activities from grades 2/3, 5, and 6. Section IV includes lists of "How To" cards and background papers, bibliography of non-USMES materials, and a glossary. Section V consists of charts identifying skills, concepts, processes, and areas of study learned as students become involved with investigations. (JN)