General Horticulture/Plant Science

2017-2018 Syllabus
Mrs. Gayla Singletary
gsingletary@taylor.k12.ga.us
This syllabus is a general plan for the course. Deviations to the class many be necessary.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides instruction on the broad field of horticulture with emphasis on the
scientific and technical knowledge for a career in horticulture. Topics in this course include
plant growth and development, plant nutrition, media selection, basic plant identification, pest
management, chemical disposal, customer relations, career opportunities, and leadership
development. Skills in biology, chemistry, and algebra are reinforced in this course (Dual Credit:
4th Science Course & Pathway Course). Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this
course are Agriscience projects, internships, and supervised agricultural experience. Supervised
agricultural experience programs and FFA leadership activities are integral components of the
course and provide many opportunities for practical application of instructional competencies.

UNITS OF INSTRUCTION
 Employability  Soil & Plant Growth Media Principles
 Plant Science/Horticulture Careers  Plant Nutrition
 Introduction to FFA  Plant Fertilizers
 SAE & Careers  Insects, Weeds, Diseases, &
 Plant Parts, Growth, and Reproduction Physiological Disorders
 Plant Development & Growth Factors  Plant Growing Containers
 Sexual Reproduction in Plants  Plant Irrigation Methods
 Asexual Reproduction in Plants

PROCEDURES
Lecture, daily starter questions and words, note taking, writing activities, handouts,
worksheets, classroom discussion, group work, video, guest speaker, laboratory, and field trips.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Students must keep all class materials in their binder. We will be using interactive notebooks
this year and it is imperative that the students have the required composition notebook. These
will stay in the classroom unless otherwise noted. Parents may schedule a conference to discuss
student progress any school day after 3:45 pm by emailing Mrs. Singletary.

CLASS MATERIALS
 1” 3-ring binder (any color) with  Pens (black or blue ink ONLY)/
clear view cover and spine – to Pencils
remain in the classroom daily.  Colored Pencils and Markers
 Loose leaf paper  Glue Sticks
 Composition Notebook (marbled)  $15 for FFA membership dues
 Students are responsible for bringing basic materials to class EVERYDAY! No materials will
be loaned to students. If a student does not have their daily materials, they will not be
eligible for any daily grades from that class period.

LABS
Dress appropriately for lab situations (no flip flops, clothes that can get dirty, etc.). Mrs.
Singletary will notify of labs one day in advance so that you may be prepared. Failure to
participate in labs will result in a “0” for the lab activity. Space will be provided for students to
leave closed toed shoes or aprons in the classroom if they so desire, however this is not
required.

GRADING
Classwork: 50%
 Daily Grades (worksheets/handouts)
 Minor Presentations
 Minor SAE Grades (Teacher Approval Form, SAE Plan, Progress Checks)
Participation Tests/Quizzes: 25%
 Unit Tests
 Daily Quizzes
 Notebook Checks
 FFA Points (3 required per semester)
Projects/Laboratories: 25%
 Major Projects and Presentations
 Laboratories & Performance Assessments (Performance & Work Ethic)
 Major SAE Grades (Proficiency Application, Presentation, Record Checks)

SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE (SAE)

Each student will develop and plan an SAE project in which they spend a minimum of 25 hours
per semester (12.5 per 9 weeks) outside of class completing. This is a large portion of the
student’s grade and will require some parents’ involvement and supervision. Mrs. Singletary
will set up a time to view and visit the students’ projects in person, as well as to help and
answer any questions. These visits will be scheduled, with parent approval, no less than one
week prior.

MAKEUP WORK
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE for getting missed assignments within 2 days of returning from
an excused absence, ISS, or OSS. Students will have 5 days from their return to school to turn in
missed assignments. Failure to do so will result in a “0” for all missed assignments. Tests missed
due to an absence will only be made up before or after school, depending on arrangements
made with Mrs. Singletary. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE for notes taken during any absence
and will not be allowed to exempt that information or any test, quiz, or binder check.
NOTE: Students will not be allowed to make up missed assignments for unexcused absences.
LATE WORK
Assignments are expected to be turned in on the due date. Students many turn in work one day
late ONLY, but the assignment will automatically be counted 50% off the highest, so you can
only obtain a 50%. NO assignments will be accepted after the 2nd day.

NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

FFA is the organization for students studying or interested in agriculture – ALL STUDENTS IN
THIS CLASS ARE ENCOURAGED TO JOIN. FFA allows students to develop life skills including
teamwork, public speaking, and leadership qualities as well as participate in competitions and
award programs, all information covered by in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
(AFNR) curriculum standards. Activities provide a connection between classroom instruction
and real life situations related to agricultural careers. Dues are $15 ($25 for dues and an FFA T-
shirt), as listed on the course materials list. Students may join at any time during the school
year. Students can also make arrangement to sell fundraisers in order to pay for their dues. A
schedule of FFA events can be found on the FFA Bulletin Board. NOTE: Students are required to
attend a minimum of four (4) FFA events, meetings, and/or contests per semester as their
FFA point “test” grade. These events are only open to FFA members.

Please read over the syllabus attached and contact Mrs. Singletary if you have any questions or
concerns. After you have read over the syllabus, please sign and return the entire syllabus.
Signed syllabi should be turned in NO LATER THAN MONDAY, AUGUST 7, 2017.

BASIC AGRICULTURE SCIENCE SYLLABUS AGREEMENT SIGNATURE FORM

I have read over the course syllabus and understand what is expected of my son/daughter.

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STUDENT PRINTED NAME CLASS PERIOD

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STUDENT SIGNATURE PARENT SIGNATURE