Search

This booklet provides information on implementing the Landscapes for Learning (LFL) program, which was conceived to bring children, youths, and communities together to learn about landscaping while beautifying local schools and communities. The booklet begins with a discussion of the concept of environmental stewardship. Described next are the objectives, benefits, and principles of LFL, which is designed to help participants develop job, teamwork, gardening, and academic skills through participatory learning activities in which all participants become teachers and learners. The next three sections present the following sets of profiles: (1) 10 LFL service learning projects for students at all levels, from preschool through graduate study; (2) 11 LFL projects linking landscaping to areas of the curriculum such as language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and French; and (3) 3 LFL projects involving students, parents, and other community members. Guidelines for developing programs promoting learning landscapes in communities are provided along with guidelines pertaining to the following issues: getting and staying organized; partnering; promoting diversity; promoting sustainability; delegating; and addressing liability and safety. Concluding the booklet are lists of the following items: 18 possible sources of funding or in-kind services/contributions; 18 useful World Wide Web sites and other contacts; and 12 references. (MN)

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)

This guide offers a detailed listing of the key practices and technologies that can help create a sustainable school. The document includes hundreds of cost-effective recommendations that can improve the energy performance and environmental quality of school designs. Each design and construction phase is addressed, from site selection through commissioning. Each phase is further divided into some or all of the following fourteen areas, which apply to each phase: general considerations; site planning and landscape design; daylighting; energy efficient building shells; solar systems; energy efficient lighting and electrical systems; energy efficient mechanical and ventilation systems; environmentally sensitive building products and systems; indoor air quality; water conservation; recycling systems and waste management; transportation; commissioning and maintenance; and ecological education. (GR)

This document of skill standards for the landscape technician 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 19 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 landscape technician cluster standards; table of contents; and performance skill levels. Standards include: market and promote landscape services and products; answer customer questions; plan, design, and price a landscape; install and maintain plants in the landscape; prune plants; and control weeds, pests, insects, diseases, moss, and plant disorders. Appendixes include a glossary; lists of committee and council members; and workplace skills. (YLB)

These materials constitute part of an active, interdisciplinary, place-based curriculum that introduces fourth and fifth grade students to the concept of landscape and heightens awareness of the relationship between landscape and people. This photo packet contains nine color photos of the Boston-area landscapes that students use with "Picture This!," a cooperative learning activity to heighten visual acuity and home investigative skills. (BT)

This handbook discusses the process of planning school grounds. It presents ideas for creating good educational landscapes and provides step-by-step procedures to achieve this goal. The steps include ground surveying and analysis, establishing community and school needs and wants, planning changes and preparing the design process, publicizing and consulting to get feedback on the proposals, selecting and establishing fundraising sources, implementing the plan and building its momentum, and incorporating maintenance and sustainability features in the planning. A checklist is offered to help planners assess whether the project addresses sustainability principles. Appendices focus on planning play areas. Topics discussed include play equipment, safety, surfacing, topography, and plants. Organizations are listed for addition information and support. (Contains 16 references.) (GR)

With this Career and Technology Studies (CTS) curriculum guide, secondary students in Alberta can do the following: develop skills that can be applied in their daily lives; refine career-planning skills; develop technology-related skills in agriculture; enhance employability skills, especially in foods; and apply and reinforce learning developed in other subject areas. The curriculum is organized in strands and modules. This guide encompassing the agriculture strand contains 33 modules that define what a student is expected to know and be able to do (competencies). The guide is organized in the following parts: (1) program rationale and philosophy, learner expectations, program organization, curriculum and assessment standards, and types of competencies in career and technology studies; (2) strand rationale and philosophy and strand organization for agriculture; (3) planning for instruction for career and technology studies and for agriculture courses; (4) module curriculum and assessment standards for introductory level agriculture competencies; (5) module curriculum and assessment standards for intermediate level agriculture competencies; (6) module curriculum and assessment standards for advanced level agriculture competencies; (7) assessment tools; (8) linkages and transitions; (9) learning resource guide; and (10) sample student learning guides. Modules cover the following broad topics: production, consumer products/services, landscape/turf management, floral design, marketing, agricultural technology, resource management, animal husbandry, field crops, livestock/poultry, agrifoods, equine, protected structures, soils management, pest management, nursery/greenhouse crops, biotechnology, water management, and sustainable agriculture. (KC)

The Learning through Landscape Trust conducted research on the design and management of school grounds in the United Kingdom for children with special needs and has produced this guidebook detailing that research shows about ensuring that the school grounds benefit these students. It provides advice and information on developing school grounds that are long-term and sustainable, that help maximize and encourage abilities and overcome children's particular challenges, and involve children with diverse needs with their adult carers wherever possible. The outline of the research and its findings are provided, followed by information on: the school ground planning process; accessibility design of school grounds; landscaping design; animals that can be included; horticultural issues; and planning issues for enhancing social use, sensory experience, and physical activities. Concluding sections present nine case studies and resources for guidance in fundraising; and information on special needs, outdoor design, use and management, and help for construction and management work. (Contains 38 sources for further help.) (GR)

This document was produced to provide architects, planners, and builders with an educational design brief for Dorset, England school grounds. The County Education Planning and Development Department will use it as an educational and curriculum statement to complement their more detailed and specific building briefs. The brief uses many of the ideas and some of the text of "The Outdoor Classroom: Building Bulletin 71." The brief addresses: educational and social demands on school grounds; consultation; site survey, appraisal, and records; optional layouts; site of buildings; building, configuration, fabric, and services; access and circulation; car parks; site boundaries and enclosures; hard play areas and surfaces; site furniture; earth modeling and soils; grass sports and recreation areas; soft landscapes; growing plants; keeping animals; advance work; aftercare; and statutory and legal requirements. (Appendices contain possible site features, a management policy statement of objectives, and a list of plants.) (EV)

This document is a guideline for institutions in the Florida State University System to use as they comply with state mandates requiring them to develop campus master plans and land management plans. It supplements the minimum criteria in the state's Administrative Code. For each element the guide offers description of its purpose, data requirements, analysis requirements, and requirements for goals, objectives and policies. Master Plan Elements treated here include the academic mission of the university, academic program, urban design, future land use, academic facilities, support faculties, housing, recreation and open space, general infrastructure, utilities, transportation, intergovernmental coordination, conservation, capital improvements, architectural design, landscape architectural design, facilities maintenance, and coastal management. A section on administrative requirements covers general requirements for master plans and format requirements for documents and computerized data. Definitions for key terms are included. (JB)

This curriculum guide, the last in a set of six, contains teacher and student materials for a unit on energy conservation prepared as part of a seventh- and eighth-grade agricultural science curriculum that is integrated with science instruction. The guide contains the state goals and sample learning objectives for each goal for students in grades 8-10 and a teacher presentation outline for the unit. The unit, which begins by listing the agricultural practices and science concepts to be taught, along with activities and applications, contains the following components: teaching steps, lesson outlines, teacher's presentation outlines for each day, student information guide, terms and definitions, worksheets, student activity note sheets, student activity information sheets, student activity record sheets, quizzes, practice problems, and 14 transparency masters. Teacher's activity sheets and tests have answers provided. The unit covers the following topics: energy conservation in landscape design, homestead improvement, nursery practices, and the design of agricultural facilities. (KC)

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 resource conservation 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 13 units are as follows: general safety precautions; resource conservation industry; water quality management; soil conservation; mapping; nature interpretation; fish and wildlife management awareness; groundskeeping; equipment maintenance; equipment operation; facility construction and maintenance; business management; and employability skills. (YLB)

This list consists of essential competencies from the following specialized Ohio Competency Analysis Profiles: Floriculutre and Greenhouse Worker; Nursery and Garden Center Worker; and Turf and Landscape Worker. 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 horticulture 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 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 10 units are as follows: general safety precautions; marketing and sales; merchandise handling; business management; facility maintenance; equipment maintenance; equipment operation; employability skills; floriculture and greenhouse management; and turf, landscape, and nursery operations. (YLB)

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 turf and landscape 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 seven units are as follows: general safety precautions; turf and landscape operations; equipment maintenance; construction skills; marketing and sales; business management; and employability skills. (YLB)

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 handbook on identifying and selecting landscape plants can be used as a reference in landscaping courses or on an individual basis. The first of two sections, Identifying Plants for the Landscape, contains the following tables: shade tree identification; flowering tree identification; evergreen tree identification; flowering shrub identification; evergreen shrub identification; ground cover and vine identification; perennial identification; and turfgrass identification. For plants listed in these tables, the following information is provided: common name, botanical name, form, branching habit, growth habit, stem, buds, leaf arrangement, venation, type of leaf, leaf shape, margin shape, tip shape, base shape, leaf color, bark characteristics, leaf surface, and unique characteristics. The second section, Selecting Plants for the Landscape, contains the following tables: shade tree selection; flowering tree selection; evergreen tree selection; flowering shrub selection; evergreen shrub selection; ground cover and vine selection; perennial selection; and turfgrass selection. For plants in these tables, some or all of the following information is given: common name, botanical name, height, width, form, growth rate, hardiness zone, use in landscape, texture, leaf color, flowering color, length of bloom, fruiting time/type, fertilizer requirements, soil conditions, water requirements, light requirements, temperature requirements, transplantability, disease problems, insect problems, pruning method/time, special considerations, life span, and unique characteristics. A list of 23 references is included. (NLA)

This module, intended for adult instruction, is an introduction to landscaping designed to help students become familiar with landscaping terminology and concepts. The material is planned for six 2-hour classes. The first three lessons aid students in interpreting landscape plans and understanding some of the reasons for plant placement and selection. They provide a base, which may be built on through future study of plant selection and the principles of landscape design. Lessons 4 and 5 provide practical guidelines for the installation and maintenance of landscape plants. Lesson six provides an introduction into the care of turfgrass. Lessons include an introduction, objectives, student motivation, key points, detailed information (including handouts), group discussion, summary and conclusions, transparency masters, outlines, and supplementary resources and activities. (KC)

This curriculum guide is designed to help horticulture teachers in North Carolina high schools plan and deliver instruction. The guide contains a list of the 39 competencies included in Horticulture I and the 44 competencies included in Horticulture II. It also contains five units of instruction for Horticulture I and eight units for Horticulture II. For each unit of instruction, the following are identified: course name and number, teaching unit title, approximate teaching time, competency statement, and instructional objectives. This page is followed by a content outline, teaching activities, and resources. A reference list keyed to the resources section includes titles and/or vendor names for textbooks, slide sets, filmstrips, videotapes, periodicals, and computer programs. (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 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)

A curriculum for the jobs of specialty grower, plant propagator, and horticultural worker I and II is provided in this guide. It contains curriculum guidesheets for seven duties: performing administrative functions; preparing soil and growing media; propagating horticultural plants; growing plants; performing maintenance operations; harvesting plants; and performing sales. Each duty includes a performance objective (task, standard of performance of task, source of standard, and conditions for performance of task); enabling objectives; resources; teaching activities; criterion referenced measure; application; performance guide; and evaluation checklist. Four appendices are included: task list and job titles; definition of terms; tools and equipment list; and a bibliography containing 234 references, 13 state-of-the-art literature listings, and lists of 14 personal interviews, 8 professional organizations, 27 trade publications, and 22 sources of standards. An addendum adapts the curriculum for South Carolina teachers. It includes the following: a matrix that correlates competencies with page numbers in the guide and addendum, 18 additional duties, sample forms, and 19 references. (NLA)

Asserts that facility managers need continual education in many subjects to keep their campuses in excellent condition, highlighting four areas related to landscaping and maintenance: landscaping care; athletic field care; grounds care; and equipment care. Lists of relevant professional organizations are included. (SM)

A three-dimensional model of a school site helps educators visualize a schoolyard project, assess the site, try out design ideas, and generate enthusiasm among school staff, students, and the public. Presents instructions for creating a model that include gathering data (determining current characteristics, taking biodiversity inventories, and shade audits); determining scale; assembling materials; and redesigning the grounds with scale maquettes. (PVD)

This guide provides information, instruction, and ideas on planning and designing every aspect of the campus landscape, from parking lots to playing fields. Using real-world examples of classic and contemporary campus landscapes, it features coverage of landscape restoration and regeneration; provides an assessment matrix for consistent, effective evaluation of existing and proposed plans; offers more than 175 photographs and drawings of campus landscapes; presents detailed captions, citations, and design guidelines for significant features; and includes discussions on security, maintenance, and the environment. (GR)

This second 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 four units: Soil Science and Conservation of Natural Resources (Understanding Soils, Selecting Soil Sites for Urban Use, and Attracting Birds to Your Backyard); Horticultural/Agricultural Products (Selecting and Buying Horticultural Tools and Equipment); Landscape Design, Establishment, and Maintenance (Pruning Evergreens; Surveying, Grading and Tiling; Constructing Fences and Retaining Walls; and Interior Plantscaping); and Retail Floriculture (Handling and Preparing Cut Flowers; Ordering and Buying Cut Flowers; and Making Corsages, Nosegays, and Table Arrangements). Each problem area includes some or all of the following components: suggestions to the teacher, a teacher guide (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)