Plant and Soil Science
Career Path Cluster
Performance
Standards
Students will understand the principles of plant classification and identify plants using a simple dichotomous key.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Given a selection of plants, identify the plants using a dichotomous key.
Students will understand cell functions and will identify and describe cell components. They will understand the principles of plant inheritance, which will include the structure and role of DNA.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Given a series of plants grown under different conditions, describe the plants’ reaction in terms of cellar function.
Students will understand the principles of plant physiology and growth.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Describe the factors which influence plant growth including water, nutrients, light, soil, air and climate.
*Modify the factors affecting plant growth and predict plant response.
Students will understand the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction in plants
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Demonstrate techniques for successful plant propagation (including budding, grafting, cuttings and seeds).
Students will understand basic pest problems and their respective economic impacts.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Identify pests that affect plants.
*Describe symptoms of disease and methods of management (i.e. conventional, sustainable, organic systems).
*Demonstrate proper handling of hazardous materials.
B.6 Soil Properties
Students will understand the relationship between soils and plant production.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Identify the basics of soil texture and structure, the types of soil, the rating procedure used.
*Identify properties of soil that are necessary for successful crop production.
B.7 Soil Biology
Students will understand what a soil food chain is (soil biology).
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Describe the impact of soil biology on the environment.
B.8 Soil Management
Students will understand the effective management practices used in tillage and soil conservation.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Describe practices necessary to effectively manage and conserve soil through irrigation, drainage and tillage practices.
B.9 Water Management
Students will understand the effective management practices used in irrigation, drainage, watersheds, and water conservation.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Describe the practices necessary to effectively manage and conserve water.
B.10 Agrosystem
Students will understand the concept of “agrosystem” approach to production.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Identify the components of “whole system management”.
Plant and Soil Science Career Path Cluster
Performance Standards
B.11 Cultural and Harvest Practices
Students will understand crop management and production practices.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Demonstrate an understanding of local cultural techniques including monitoring, pruning, fertilization, planting, irrigation, harvest treatments, processing, packaging, and marketing practices.
B.12 Post Harvest Physiology and Marketing Practices
Students will understand post harvest plant physiology and marketing practices.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Identify post harvest treatments, processing, packaging, and marketing practices used on local crops.
B.13 Equipment Management and Safety
Students will know how to maintain tools and equipment used in plant production operations. Students will understand occupational safety issues including the avoidance of physical hazards in the work environment.
Examples of
the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Demonstrate the skills necessary to service and maintain equipment and tools.
*Operate equipment safely as not to endanger themselves or others.
*Demonstrate proper handling of hazardous materials.
B.14 Biotechnology
Students will understand the principles of biotechnology in relation to plant protection and improvement.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Demonstrate an understanding of micro propagation, biological pest controls, and genetic engineering.
B.15 Technology
Students will understand the use of technology in plant production.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Describe how changes in technology affect plant production and management. *Describe ways to keep informed about advancements in technology that affect plant and soil science.
Plant and Soil Science Career Path Cluster
Performance Standards
B.16 Record Keeping
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of record keeping utilizing a variety of methods and systems.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Explain the differences between production and financial records.
B.17 Interpersonal Leadership Development
Students will recognize the traits of effective leaders.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Participate in leadership training activities associated with the FFA, including public speaking, leading group discussions, working within a committee, conducting business meetings, and problem solving.
B.18 Supervised Agriculture Experience Project
Students will understand the relationship between a supervised occupational experience (SOE) and their preparation for a career in agriculture.
Examples of the types of work students should be able to do to meet he standard:
*Participate in a supervised occupational experience employing skills and knowledge learned in the classroom.
*Maintain an on-going record book.