Botany Syllabus

“I am the vine and you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.” John 15:5

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COURSE DESCRIPTION:  

Welcome to Botany! Botany is the specialized study of the anatomy and physiology of plants. This course provides students with a more in depth understanding of the plant kingdom through research, laboratory experiences, and field experiences.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Obtain scientific knowledge, the facts, principles, and terms related to Kingdom Plantae

2. Analyze scientific data using a Christian Worldview

3. Organize plants by morphology (taxonomy)

4. Design, plant, and maintain an outdoor garden area

5. Design, develop, and maintain an indoor hydroponics system

6. Understand the natural cycle of the garden

SKILLS:

1. Expand critical thinking skills

2. Analyze structure and function through laboratory and field experiences

3. Apply problem-solving skills

4. Improve study skills including: note taking, research reading, oral presentation, test preparation, and communication

TEXT:

Organic Gardening, by Geoff Hamilton, Holy Bible (NIV)

MATERIALS:

1. Three-ring notebook to include tabs for the following: syllabus, class notes, class handouts, labs, current events, homework, tests/quizzes

2. Loose-leaf paper, college ruled

3. Pencils, pens, colored pencils (12 or more), scissors, ruler with cm and mm scale

4. Gardening gloves labeled with your name

5. Hand held gardening tools labeled with your name (trowel, rake, and hoe) - optional

6. Knee pad (optional) labeled with your name

7.  A permanently bound composition book to record field observations. It may be a size of their choosing, but pages must be permanently attached and are not to be torn out.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:

1. Lecture to explain conceptual data 

2. Class discussion to explore analysis of data and problem solving

3. Laboratory and field experiences

4. Audiovisual presentations, outside reading, and guest speakers

METHODS OF EVALUATION:

1. Tests = 50% Projects/Quiz = (Including Science Fair) 15% Lab/Other = 30% Homework = 5%

2.  If you are absent the day a test or an assignment is due, that work must be made up within two days of your return to school, including labs. Extended absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

3.  Sloppy or incomplete work will receive a lower grade. Students must bring all required materials to class and will not be permitted to return to their lockers once the bell rings. Failure to have materials in class will result in a zero if a random check is made.

4. Late work receives half credit if turned in the class period after it was due and no credit beyond that point.

5. If you are absent the day a test or an assignment is due, that work must be made up within two days of your return to school. Extended absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

How to Succeed in Botany

1. Athletic and extracurricular activities are planned and organized well in advance -- organize your time accordingly!   If other school activities require your absence from class, your work is still due on the assigned date and must be turned in before you leave. If the assigned work or test is not completed before your departure, it will be considered late.

2. Come to class ready to work, this will be an active study requiring your participation

3. Come to class prepared and meet assigned deadlines

4. Materials for labs present at each class as detailed in course outline for each quarter

5. Adherence to attendance and dress code policies as outlined in student handbook

6.  Due to the fast pace of this course, absences will be detrimental to student progress. Please minimize student absences.