Course Name & Number

Horticulture

HORT 1401

Semester & Year

Fall 2016

Class Times

Lecture: Online

Labs are as follows:

    - Sec. 394: T, 2:30-4:20 PM

    - Sec. 395: T, 4:30-6:20 PM

    - Sec. 396: W, 10-11:50AM

Lab Locations

- Sec. 394: COR 310 (Corinth)

- Sec. 395: COR 310 (Corinth)

- Sec. 396: AGC 1604 (G’ville)

Name of Instructor

Ashley Hartman

   Office Phone #

(940) 668-7731 x4488

Instructor’s Office

Gainesville – AGC 1608

Office Hours

Mon. & Wed.: 1-4 p.m.

or By Appointment

Email Address

ahartman@nctc.edu

Name of Chair/Coordinator

Steve Keith

   Office Phone #

(940) 668-4217

Instructor’s Office

Gainesville – AGC 1602

Office Hours

By Appointment

Email Address

skeith@nctc.edu

Course Catalog Description

HORT 1401          Horticulture                                                                  4 credit hours

48 Lecture hours + 32 Laboratory hours

Structure, growth, and development of horticultural plants from a practical and scientific approach. Environmental effects, basic principles of propagation, greenhouse and outdoor production, nutrition, pruning, chemical control of growth, pest control, and landscaping.  (Cross-listed as AGRI 1415)

Course Prerequisite(s):

None

Course Type:

Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1.       Propagate plants (herbaceous and woody)

2.       Create and manage healthy soils.

3.       Utilize scientific nomenclature used in horticulture.

4.       Explain the effect of environmental factors on plant growth.

Textbook

*REQUIRED:  Loehrlein, Marietta. 2008. Home Horticulture: Principles and Practices, 1^st Ed. Thompson-Delmar Learning. ISBN: 1401896359.

*A copy of the text is placed on reserve at the NCTC Corinth & Gainesville libraries.

COURSE REQUIREMENT, EVALUATION METHODS AND CRADING CRITERIA

Grading Policy, Procedures and Core Objectives

Assignment Point Values

Assignment                                            Points

Exams (4@100pts.)                              400 pts.

Discussion Forum Posts                       145 pts.

Quizzes                                                 100 pts.

Lab Projects & Participation Rewards   100 pts.

Lab Experiment                                       50 pts.

Lab Plots                                                 55 pts.

_______________________________________

                                                           850 Possible Points

Grading Scale

761-850 points = A
676-760 points = B
591-675 points = C
506-590 points = D
Fewer than 505 points = F

Note:

89.5-100% = A

79.5-89.49%=B

69.5-79.49%=C

59.5-69.49%=D

Less than 59.5% = F

Course Evaluation Explanations, Core Objectives, and Assignment Descriptions

Exams

Meets Core Objective for Critical Thinking

The lecture tests will be generated from information in the weekly online units and in the weekly labs.  This includes the following: reading assignments, research projects, videos, supplemental unit information, lab discussions, and lab projects.  Exams are not cumulative.  Exam questions will be multiple choice and true/false and are generated from a test bank.  Questions are randomly generated from a test bank, and each student receives a different exam according to this randomization.  Exams are 50 questions, and 30 minutes will be allotted for each exam. 

If a student would like to take the exam on paper, please schedule this with the professor one week prior to the exam opening.  If the exam is taken on paper, the student will have unlimited time to take it, but notes, books, etc. will not be allowed. 

If an exam is not taken before the due date, a zero will be recorded in the grade book. 

Exam questions and answers are NOT posted after students complete their exams; however, exams can be reviewed one-on-one with the instructor by making an appointment to meet.  

Exam Grade Breakdown: There are four exams at 100 points per exam for a total of 400 points.

Discussion Forum Posts

Meets Core Objectives for Critical Thinking, Communication, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Teamwork

After learning the science behind various horticultural practices, students research horticultural concepts and apply them to the “everyday” world around them.  In these weekly, research-based discussion forums, students discuss and debate various controversial horticultural topics.

For each of the 14 online lecture units, students will participate in assigned discussions.  Discussion forums will be graded according to the grading rubric posted with each discussion forum (rubric is in Appendix A of syllabus and is also posted in CANVAS).  The rubrics take into account the following: contribution to a collaborative learning environment, leadership roles within the forum, application of critical thinking skills in analyzing the key points of the topic, support of research content with credible research sources, and the ability to clearly communicate in the written language.

Forum information will NOT be included on course exams; however, many of the topics discussed in the forums are applicable to unit content, and active participation in discussion forums will benefit students.  If a student does not participate in the discussion forum before the due date, a zero will be recorded in the grade book. 

Discussion Forum Grade Breakdown: Discussion Forum 1 counts for 15 points.  Discussion Forums 2-14 count for 10 points each for a grand total of 145 points.

Quizzes

Meets Core Objective for Critical Thinking

Each unit contains a quiz as a follow-up to the unit.  Quizzes are timed, and 10 minutes will be allotted per quiz.  One attempt is allowed for each quiz.  The quizzes open on Monday morning at 12:01 a.m.., along with the other unit information that opens at that time; they need to be completed by 11:59 p.m. the following Sunday night.  Students can view their quiz questions and their scores after each quiz is disabled.  In other words, since the quiz closes on Sunday at 11:59 p.m., students will be able to view the quiz the next day, Monday at 12 midnight.  Note: if a question is missed, correct answers will need to be researched by the student.  Answers are not given in the quiz feedback.  If a quiz is not taken before the due date, a zero will be recorded in the grade book. 

Quiz Grade Breakdown: Quiz 1 counts for 9 points.  Quizzes 2-14 count for 7 points each for a total of 100 points.

Lab Projects & Participation Rewards

Meets Core Objectives for Critical Thinking, Communication, Empirical &  Quantitative Skills, and Teamwork

Students who participate in lab activities and who take the initiative required during the lab will earn participation rewards.  Rewards will be given for discussions, group projects, and individual initiatives.  Students not participating and taking the required initiative during labs will not earn these participation rewards.  Students are also asked to bring various supplies to lab, and points will be awarded if supplies are brought.  After each lab, students are expected to clean up their areas, sweeping, putting away tools, cleaning countertops, etc.  If a student misses a lab, regardless of excuse, the participation rewards for that lab cannot be earned, and a zero will be recorded in the grade book for that lab.  There are no make-up labs.     I take participation very seriously, and these rewards have to be earned, not just by attending, but by actively engaging in lab activities and coming to class prepared. 

Lab Participation Rewards - Grade Breakdown:  14 labs at 5 points/lab (70) + Asexual Plant Propagation Assignment (10) + Introduction Discussion Forum (5) + Plant Parts for Botany Lab (4) + Compost (3) + Jars (3) + Cleaning out Plot (5) = 100 Total Participation Reward Points.

Lab Experiments

Meets Core Objectives for Critical Thinking, Communication, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Teamwork

Lectures and class assignments will expose students to methodologies necessary to the comprehension of the environment’s role on growth and development of horticultural plants.  In applying and synthesizing this knowledge, students will utilize the scientific model for two formal research projects.   Each student will be assigned to a research team, and during the course of the semester, each team will conduct an experiment based on the scientific method.  Data collection will include visual analysis and quantitative measurement of plant growth and development as influenced by environmental and horticultural factors.  Students will statistically describe data and will create graphical representation (tables, charts, graphs) in lab reports.  Experimental results will be shared through oral and written communications in lab.  Further information will be provided in lab.

Lab Experiment Grade Breakdown: The research experiment is worth 50.

Lab Plots

Meets Core Objectives for Critical Thinking, Communication, and Teamwork

Students learn the influence of the environment on growth, development, and production of horticultural plants.   Each student will be assigned a garden plot to plan, amend, design, plant, tend, weed, fertilize, and water throughout the semester.  In addition, students will use their plots to conduct assigned scientific research projects.  This allows students to apply instruction and learn about the science and art of gardening.  Grades are assigned based on the ability of the student to apply concepts as learned in lecture and lab.  Students are responsible for the care of their assigned lab plots (amending, designing, planting, tending, weeding, harvesting, cleaning, fertilizing, and watering).  If a student misses the labs in which the plots are planted, it’s the responsibility of the student to pick up the plants from the greenhouse in Gainesville and plant the plot on their own time BEFORE the next lab.

Plot Grade Breakdown:  The plot is worth 55 points; point breakdown for the lab plot is as follows:

Institutional Learning Goals

·         A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.

·         Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities.

·         Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and associate degrees.

·         Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development as a mean of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education.

Program Purpose Statement

NCTC seeks to implement its goal of providing quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and associate degrees by offering a coherent sequence of courses with appropriate breadth and depth to prepare students for success in the workforce.

Departmental Purpose Statement

The Agriculture Department provides freshmen and sophomore level courses in agriculture disciplines which possess academically valid content and demonstrate instructional methods which foster high levels of learning for our students who may be transferring to senior universities or those who may choose to enter the work force.

Statement of Skills and Knowledge Expected of NCTC Graduates

NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering a core of general education courses designed to help students achieve academic, career and lifelong goals. The chief focus of the General Education Core Courses at NCTC is to emphasize basic intellectual competencies and broad intellectual perspectives.

Foundational Component Area: Life and Physical Sciences

Courses in this area focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method.  Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on human experiences.

ACGM Learning Outcomes

1.       Propagate plants (herbaceous and woody)

2.       Create and manage healthy soils.

3.       Utilize scientific nomenclature used in horticulture.

4.       Explain the effect of environmental factors on plant growth.

Facebook & Email Lists

I oftentimes take photographs during class and will post them to Facebook.  Please Like us at NCTC Agriculture to see posted pictures.

If you would like to join email lists to be notified about information regarding the Horticulture Certifications, Job Opportunities, or the NCTC Horticulture Club, please send me an email expressing interest. 

Core Objectives

A.       Critical Thinking, Aspect 3: “Students will analyze information effectively.”

B.       Critical Thinking, Aspect 4: “Students will evaluate information effectively.”

C.      Critical Thinking, Aspect 5: “Students will synthesize information effectively.”

D.       Communication, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written communication.”

E.       Communication, Aspect 3: “Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation, and expressions of ideas through visual communication.”

F.       Empirical and Quantitative Skills, Aspect 1:  “Students will demonstrate effective manipulation of numerical data or observable facts.”

G.      Empirical and Quantitative Skills, Aspect 2:  “Students will demonstrate effective analysis of numerical data or observable facts.”

H.      Empirical and Quantitative Skills, Aspect 3:  “Students will demonstrate effective manipulation of numerical data or observable facts to reach informed conclusions.”

I.         Teamwork:  “Students will demonstrate the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.”

Attendance and Tardiness Policy

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of each student.  I keep written records of absences and late arrivals.   For every three absences, regardless of excuse, the student’s final grade will drop by one letter. 

Three instances of tardiness (entering class late) will constitute one absence. Students who come late and leave early on the same class day will be counted absent. 

Students arriving more than 15 minutes late for class will be counted as absent.

Students who come to class late need to make sure that they are counted as present on the roster; see instructor after class to have the roster updated.  If the student fails to have the roster updated, and there is no record of attendance, the student will be counted as absent.

If a student has been unjustifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives, the student may be dropped from this class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor.  Also, if a student does not participate in online activities for a consecutive three weeks, the student will be dropped from the CANVAS roster (blocked in CANVAS) and might be dropped from the class.

The instructor will not provide class notes to those who are absent.  As a student, it is your responsibility to obtain the missed materials and notes from a classmate. 

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veterans Services

The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who need assistance in financing their education.  The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA.  For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office.

Other Policies and  Pertinent Information

Opening and Closing Units

Units will be opened on Monday mornings at 12:01 a.m. and will close the following Sunday night at 11:59 p.m.  All work needs to be completed in the opened unit by Sunday at 11:59 p.m.  Credit will not be received for late work, no exceptions.

Lab Schedule

Please note that many labs are outside.  It’s difficult to predict weather, so the scheduled lab activity might change at the last minute.  The instructor will let you know via a course announcement if the activity changes – this might be a last-minute change; be sure to have announcements sent to your email address or as a text to keep abreast of changes to the lab schedule.

Emailing the Instructor

After the first week of class, all correspondence with the instructor should be done through the CANVAS course mail system rather than through the NCTC email system.

Instructor Follow-up

The instructor will answer correspondence within 24 hours, Monday-Friday.  Any emails received between Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday will be returned at the beginning of the following work week.

Computer Problems

If you have computer or CANVAS trouble, complete a CANVAS work order ticket, or call the NCTC Computer Helpdesk at (940) 668-3335. Please do not call the instructor.  Computer problems are not an excuse for late work.  Each campus has open computer labs for students to use; if your personal computer is having problems, use one of the NCTC computer labs.

Missing Exams or Quizzes:

There are no make-up exams, quizzes, or any other assignments in this course.  If a student misses any assignment, the student will receive an automatic zero in the grade book.

Disruptive Behavior:

A student who engages in any behavior or language in the classroom that intentionally or unintentionally disrupts the learning process will be asked to leave the class and may be reported to the Vice President of Instruction for disciplinary action.

Grade and Attendance Records:

All grades and attendance/tardy records will be posted in CANVAS and can be accessed at any time during the semester.

Cell Phones, Texting, and Outside Communication:

Please silence all cell phones before class.  In cases of emergencies, you may answer your phone or a text, but please leave the classroom/lab environment to do so.  Texting and outside communication in the classroom and lab environments is prohibited.

Missing Labs

Each lab is assigned participation and plot points that students earn as a reward while attending the lab.  Regardless of excuse, if a student misses a lab, participation and plot rewards for that lab cannot be earned, as the opportunity to earn them is during the scheduled lab.  With instructor permission, students may attend a different lab section during the week of the missed lab; however, arrangements must be made in advance of the lab.  There are NO MAKE-UP LABS.

Late Work:

Late work will not be accepted for any reason. Computer problems are not an excuse for late work.  All assignments NOT turned in by the due date will be given a zero in the grade book.

Tobacco Products:

Please do not bring tobacco products or any containers that might have tobacco byproducts in them into the classroom, the gardens, or the Gainesville Greenhouse.  See Tobacco Free Campus Information Policy.  If you do use tobacco products, always wash your hands with soap and water before entering the greenhouse (Gainesville) or touching any plants.

Study and Preparation Time:

This is a 4-hour credit class.  In general, students should expect to spend 2-3 hours studying for each credit hour of a course.

Web Browser

Take note that it is best to use FireFox or Chrome as your web browser when using CANVAS.  Do not use Explorer as it’s not compatible with Canvas.

Lab Notes

It is the student’s responsibility to take notes during labs.  Much of the information covered during labs is included on exams.  Bring a notebook that you can carry around the gardens and be able to access quickly.  The instructor will not remind students to take notes.

Lab Attire, Physical Nature of Activities, and Weather Factors

The majority of the labs in this course are held outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.  Be prepared to work in the heat, cold, and wet weather.  If the weather warrants a change in lab schedule, students will be notified by the instructor via an online announcement or a note posted on the classroom door.  Check your announcements before coming to class (some might be sent last minute).

Be sure to dress according to the expected weather and appropriately for the scheduled lab activities.  Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.  Be aware that you will be on your knees, bending, digging, etc.  You may also need sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat.  If you are allergic to wasps, come prepared – wasps and bees frequent the garden.  I keep a supply of gloves in the lab room/storage shed, but you may bring your own if you’d like.  Also note that students may occasionally use chemicals such as fertilizers, insecticides, bleach, etc. 

Finally, be sure to come prepared with water to drink.  There are no vending machines or water fountains near the gardens!

This class is more physically demanding than other college classes.  Many of the lab activities are strenuous in nature.  Please come prepared to carry heavy loads, to dig, to walk lengthy distances on occasion, to kneel, to use hand saws, etc.  If you have physical limitations that prevent you from these activities, please communicate those to the instructor so accommodations can be made.

Extra Credit

Students have the opportunity to earn extra credit in this course.  Students may earn up to 20 points during the semester.  See CANVAS Extra Credit Folder under the Lessons Tab or the handout in Appendix B of this syllabus.

Curving Exams and Final Grades

Exams, assignments, and final grades are NOT curved in this course.

Testing Periods

If a test/quiz fails to perform correctly, email your instructor immediately.  Use Firefox for your browser when taking any assessment, and always use a computer with a reliable internet connection.

Announcements as Emails/Texts!

Students can receive instructor announcements via texts and/or to their personal email accounts.  To activate this setting, go to your Canvas profile, go to “settings”, and enter in how you would like to receive communications.

Evaluation of Class and Instructor

I am open to receiving your comments, either positive or negative.  These help me to enrich this course and improve as a teacher.  Please feel free to see me, email me at ahartman@nctc.edu, or send me a note in the mail to the following address:  NCTC, ATTN: Ashley Hartman, 1525 West California Street, Gainesville, TX 76240.

EEOC Statement

North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoan (one-celled) parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. Dangers to an unborn child from toxoplasmosis include birth defects and fetal death.  The disease can be passed to people through contact with cat feces, and exposure is possible through contact with contaminated soil.  Pregnant women should wear gloves when gardening or working in soil or sand, as it may have been used by neighborhood cats and contain cat feces.   Any foodstuffs from the garden (fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc.) should be washed thoroughly before ingestion. 

Student Support Services

Disability Services (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability.  A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc.

On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 in the Administration (100) Building or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).

http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx

Support Services

Counseling and Testing staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration), and much more.  http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingTesting.aspx

 Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, free 24/7 online tutoring through Grade Results and assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.   First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized support services.

http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices.aspx

Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information.  http://www.nctc.edu/FInancialAidHome.aspx

Early Alert/CARES

The NCTC Early Alert program has been established to assist students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Your instructor may refer you to this program if you are missing assignments, failing tests, excessively absent, or have personal circumstances impacting your academic performance. If submitted as an Early Alert you will be notified via your NCTC e-mail address and then contacted by a Counseling and Testing advisor or counselor to discuss possible strategies for completing your course successfully.

The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team addresses behavior which may be disruptive, harmful or pose a threat to the health and safety of the NCTC community-such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student. Just click the NCTC CARES Team logo posted on MyNCTC, or send an e-mail to CARESTeam@nctc.edu.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

Scholastic Integrity

Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies.  Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. 

I TAKE ACADEMIC DISHONESTY VERY SERIOUSLY.

Plagiarizing, copying answers from another student’s exam, and collaborating on assignments constitutes academic dishonesty and will result in swift disciplinary action. This action will take the form of failing that assignment and/or the entire course.  In addition, a letter will be written to the Vice President of Instruction.

See Student Handbook “Student Rights & Responsibilities:  Student Conduct [FLB (LOCAL)]” #20 on page 175.

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities

NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct.  These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog.  All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.

Tobacco Free Campus Information

NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is aware that tobacco use influences underage students which cumulates unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with assuring clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco use and of exposure to second hand smoke. Information on a tobacco cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to stop using tobacco products.

We would like to "thank you" for your help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free.

For questions or concerns please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at (940) 668-4240.

Tentative Calendar

(Note: for a more comprehensive lab schedule, see Home Page in Canvas)

Week

Topic

Take Note

×      August 22:  Classes Begin

Take Note

×      August 22 & 23:  Last day to add/drop for current students only

Week 1

Aug. 22-28

×      Lecture:  Into. to Hort. Science; Unit 1: Olericulture (NOTE: this unit is due at the end of Week 2) – Ch 13

×      Lab:  Course overview/syllabus, DF rubric, tour CANVAS, tour gardens & assign plots, Water Schedule

×      Take Note:  Intro. DF is due Aug. 28; for Discussion Forum 1, the initial post is due Aug. 26

Week 2

Aug. 29-Sept. 4

×      Lecture:  Unit 1: Olericulture, continued

×      Lab:  Discuss available plants; Discuss Intensive Gardening; Assign Garden Design Project (Due Sept. 4 via CANVAS); Amend & section off gardens (bring drinking water!)

Week 3

Sept. 5-11

×      Lecture: Unit 2: The Plant – Chapter 1

×      Lab: Plant plots – transplants & seeds

Take Note

×      Sept. 5: Labor Day – College is Closed

Take Note

×      Sept. 6: Official Date of Record

Week 4

Sept. 12-18

×      Lecture: Unit 3: Sexual Propagation – Chapters 2 & 3

×      Lab: Bring plant pieces to lab (see on Lab Calendar in CANVAS); Discuss and identify plant parts (Botany & Physiology)

EXAM I

×      EXAM I – Units 1, 2, and 3: (Opens Sept. 19 and Closes Sept. 25, 11:59 p.m.)

Week 5

Sept. 19-25

×      Lecture: Unit 4: Asexual Propagation – Chapter 4

×      Lab: Dissect flowers; Dissect legumes; Asexual Propagation

Week 6

Sept. 26-Oct. 2

×      Lecture: Unit 5: Pruning – Chapter 11

×      Lab: Finish what we didn’t get done last week; Assign Research Experiment

Week 7

Oct. 3-9

×      Lecture: Unit 6: Trees – Chapter 17

×      Lab: Prune shrubs and trees

Week 8

Oct. 10-16

×      Lecture: Unit 7: Soil & Compost – Chapter 5

×      Lab: How to mulch; Compare/contrast mulched & unmulched areas; How to take a soil sample; Find healthy and unhealthy soils; Soil jar test (bring a jar to class and a bag of soil)

EXAM II

×      EXAM II – Units 4, 5, 6, and 7: (Opens Oct. 17 and Closes Oct. 23, 11:59 p.m.)

Week 9

Oct. 17-23

×      Lecture: Unit 8: Nutrients – Chapter 6

×      Lab:  Follow-up on soil jar test; Make compost (bring 3 bags of compost ingredients – see Lab Calendar in CANVAS for instructions)

Week 10

Oct. 24-30

×      Lecture: Unit 9: Weather & Climate – Chapter 7

×      Lab: Plant nutrition; Fertilize plots

Week 11

Oct. 31-Nov. 6

×      Lecture:  Unit 10: Plant Disease – Chapter 8

×      Lab:  Catch up day; Pot up cuttings (bring your cuttings to class)

Take Note

×      Nov. 3: Last day to drop a class with a “W”

Week 12

Nov. 7-13

×      Lecture: Unit 11: Entomology – Chapter 9

×      Lab: Entomology

EXAM III

×      EXAM III – Units 8, 9, 10, and 11: (Opens Nov. 14 and Closes Nov. 20, 11:59 p.m.)

Week 13

Nov. 14-20

×      Lecture: Unit 12: Weeds – Chapter 10

×      Lab:  Landscape Design

Take Note

×      Nov. 20, 11:59 p.m.: Optional Extra Credit due

Week 14

Nov. 21-27

×      Lecture: Unit 13: Landscape Horticulture – Chapter 18

×      Lab:  Research Projects Q&A and Work Time; Work in Garden

Take Note

×      Nov. 24-26:  Thanksgiving Holiday – College Closed

Week 15

Nov. 28-Dec. 4

×      Lecture: Unit 14: Turf Grass Management – Chapter 15

×      Lab:  Research Experiment Presentations; Clean out gardens

×      Take Note: Lab Research Papers & Presentations are due in CANVAS Nov. 28

Week 16

Dec. 5-8

×      Note:  Labs do not meet this week

EXAM IV

×      EXAM IV – Units 12, 13, and 14: (Opens Dec. 5 and Closes Dec. 7, 11:59 p.m.)

CATEGORY

EXEMPLARY WORK

REGULAR WORK

MINIMAL WORK

UNACCEPTABLE WORK

Contribution

Exemplary Work - EXCEEDS assigned criteria and frequently prompts further discussion of the topic. Takes on a leadership role in discussions by participating early on in the forum and actively contributing to collaborative learning.

(Point value: 4)

Regular Work - Meets assigned criteria for contributions to the discussions. Interacts with others in the forum while introducing credible information.

(Point value: 2)

Minimal Work - Makes minimal effort to become involved with other students in forum by not participating in the forum as it develops, AND/OR does not contribute to collaborative learning by introducing new, credible information to the forum.

(Point value: 1)

Unacceptable Work - Does not meet assigned criteria. Does not contribute to the development of the forum. Does not contribute credible information.

(Point value: 0)

Critical Analysis of Issues & Research

Exemplary Work – THREE OR MORE research-based posts which include proper source citations, using credible sources. Posts contribute substantive, science-based information to the forum. The research is summarized, paraphrased, or directly quoted and NOT plagiarized information. Opinions, personal observations, and stories are made credible with cited research.

(Point value: 4)

Regular Work – TWO research-based posts which include proper source citations, using credible sources. Posts contribute substantive, science-based information to the forum. The research is summarized, paraphrased, or directly quoted and NOT plagiarized information. Opinions, personal observations, and stories are made credible with cited research.

(Point value: 2)

Minimal Work - ONE research-based post which includes proper source citations, using credible sources. Post contributes substantive, science-based information to the forum. The research is summarized, paraphrased, or directly quoted and NOT plagiarized information. Opinions, personal observations, and stories are made credible with cited research.

(Point value: 1)

Unacceptable Work - Does not cite sources in the posts, and posts are not research-based. Opinions, personal observations, and stories are not tied in with research.

(Point value: 0)

Timing

Initial post by Friday.

(Point value: 1)

Initial post by Saturday.

(Point value: 0.5)

Initial post by Sunday.

(Point value: 0.25)

Late.

(Point value: 0)

Grammar, Punctuation, and Expression

Exemplary Work - Provides clear, concise research and ideas effectively written in standard English. Demonstrates SUPERIOR knowledge of and attention to grammar and punctuation rules.

(Point value: 1)

Regular Work - Provides clear research and ideas written in standard English. Demonstrates BASIC knowledge of and attention to grammar and punctuation rules.

(Point value: 0.5)

Minimal Work - Expression is unclear or interrupted by errors. Occasionally uses slang and/or text talk. Makes minimal effort to use proper grammar and punctuation. Spelling errors.

(Point value: 0.25)

Unacceptable Work - Unacceptable written expression. Frequent grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

(Point value: 0)