Horticulture/Botany

Syllabus
Instructor Information
Instructor: Amanda Jaramillo
Phone: 505-404-5199
E-mail: amjaramillo@bps.k12.nm.us
Location: Bernalillo High School Room 401
Course Information
Grade Level: 9-12

Course Meets: Monday-Friday

Available Credit: 1 elective credit toward graduation requirements

Course Duration: Year long

Pre-Requisites: Introduction to Agriculture

Course Description: The focus of this course is the study of plant (botany). Specific topics include photosynthesis
and respiration, analysis of the difference of plant and animal cell structure, genetics, taxonomy, and classification.
Also included are topics covering entomology, soil chemistry, and plant diseases; virus and bacteria life cycles and
effects on plant growth. Focus is on horticulture crops including greenhouses, landscape, and floral plants.
Materials:
Writing utensil (pencils for shop and homework assignments; blue or black pen for note taking and class
activities)
Three-Ring binder
Loose-leaf paper
Dividers
$20 dollar mandatory class fee (This will pay for membership into FFA and classroom supplies). If there
isnt a way to pay this fee, students will be responsible for fundraising the amount needed to pay.
Rules and Expectations:
Come to class prepared! The student is required to bring a writing utensil to class every day.
Please be respectful to other in the class that includes the instructor, fellow classmates, and others that
may enter our class. Also be respectful to the property in the classroom, refrain from writing on the
tables, posters, or boards.
No side bar conversations. We have a job to do and dont need the added distractions.
Participate in all discussion and activities we have in class.
Please no electronics in the classroom, this includes: cell phones, IPods/Mp3, or tablets
HAVE FUN!!! This class is supposed to be fun, follow these rules and we will have a blast!!

Websites/Sources

National FFA Website www.ffa.org

The Agriculture Experience Tracker www.theaet.com

New Mexico FFA www.nmffa.org

Bernalillo FFA Webpage www.bernalilloffa.weebly.com

Objectives of Horticulture and Botany

All lessons can be found on www.nmffa.org. Click on the teachers link, then click on CAERT Curriculum,
the password is nmaged, from there click on plant and soil systems and then on Horticulture and
Botany. There you will find PowerPoint that were covered in class, the lesson plans that I am following,
along with a practice test. The list below is all the subjects that we will cover in Horticulture.
Understanding Horticulture
Understanding Environmental Impacts of Horticulture
Explaining Career Opportunities in Horticulture
Understanding Root Anatomy
Understanding Stem Anatomy
Determining the Importance of the Horticulture Industry
Practicing Horticulture Safety
Classifying Ornamental Plants
Determining the Kinds of Pesticides
Using Pesticides Safely
Understanding Growing Media Components
Supplying Nutrients to Floriculture Crops
Classifying and Naming Plants
Examining Flowers and Fruits
Identifying Plant Types and Uses
Using Crossbreeding and Hybrids
Understanding Plant Life Cycles
Examining Photosynthesis
Understanding Respiration
Determining Nutrient Functions and Utilization
Identifying the Differences Between Plants and Animals
Determining the Nature of Soil
Understanding Soil Formation
Managing Plant Pests
Growing Poinsettias
Growing Potted Perennials
Understanding Nursery Production Facilities
Producing Nursery Crops
Packaging Nursery Crops
Managing the Nursery Business
Growing Potted Chrysanthemums
Growing Minor Potted Flowering Crops
Forcing Easter Lilies
Growing and Forcing Bulbs, Corms and Tubers

Growing Foliage Plants

Growing Bedding Plants

Participation
*Daily Participation Points will be issued when the students are engaged in a lab or classroom. Ten points per day will be the
maximum each student will be able to earn. The following is a guideline that the Instructor will use for evaluation and granting of
points to each student.

Points Earned Degree of Participation

10 -Student worked diligently/took part in the activity to best of his or her ability for the duration of the class period. The student
also followed all outlined safety procedures, assisted in clean up at the conclusion of the activity, and waited for dismissal from
the instructor.
5 -Student worked diligently/took part in the activity to the best of his or her ability for the duration of the class period. However,
he or she did not deem it necessary to assist their classmates in clean up at the conclusion of the class period and/or await
dismissal from their instructor. (Examples include: wearing safety glasses, proper storage of shop and lab equipment, etc.)
0 -Student worked diligently/took part in the activity to best of his or her ability for the duration of the class period. However, he
or she did not deem it necessary to follow all of the outlined safety procedures throughout the activity. (Examples include:
repetitively reminded about wearing safety glasses, proper use of power tools, shop and lab equipment, shop procedures,
horseplay, etc.)

Student Evaluation and Classification

The grading system shall be:
A- Superior (100 90)
B- Above Average (89 80)
C- Average (79 70)
D- Below Average (69 60)
F- Failing (59 and below).

Grade Scale
Semester 1: 40%
Semester 2: 40%
Final: 20%

Please sign the below. This tells me that you read the syllabus and understand
what is expected of your child. Filled out bottom must be turned in NO LATER than
August 19th.
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Childs Name _____________________________________________

Parents Name____________________________________________
Occupation: ______________________________________
Best number to contact you at:_______________________________

Signature:_______________________________________________________ Date:______________________