Course Overview

This course is devoted to the study of plants and their relationship to the environment. Topics include plant structures, types of plants, plant growth and development, plant ecology, and adaptations. This course has a web based component as well as a field based component. Students will have the opportunity to work in the outdoor garden area, design a project in an area of personal interest, participate in mini-lab experiences, and use the internet as a valuable resource for learning about plants.

Course Expectations

To earn the 5 credits of science offered, students must be successful at meeting the following expectations throughout the course:

• Keep a detailed time log of all class activities
• Check email daily for course announcements and instructor directions
• Work in the garden and on 'mini-labs' an average of 60 minutes each week
• Attend and participate in a 30 minute class meeting every 2 weeks
• Work on a self-selected independent study project one hour each week
• Complete the weekly web-based lesson, readings, and/or video activity

Course Goals

• To provide students with a variety of activities that will increase their understanding and appreciation of plants.
• Give students the experience and pleasure of growing plants in an outdoor garden environment.
• Provide opportunities for each student to explore a particular topic of interest related to botany and/or horticulture.

Course Topics

• What is a plant?
• Types of Plants
• Plant Anatomy and Structure
• Plant Growth and Development
• Plant Adaptations