Managing the School Greenhouse
Strategies to maximize learning in the school greenhouse


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Class Expectations for the "Managing the School Greenhouse" Class
Each student should complete four modules for each credit you are taking. So if you are taking the course for 3 credits then you need to do twelve (12) modules from the list below. If you went on the spring greenhouse tour, you only have to complete eight (8) modules, after you complete the module for the SPRING GREENHOUSE TOURS. You can complete all modules for your own personal growth. Also if you have a special project that you want to work on you may talk to the instructor and get permission.

Students should also be part of the discussion on the blog that is part of this Web site.

At this point in time, all assignments will be done on quia.com at the class quia site.SUBMIT ASSIGNMENTS HERE

All Teachers Enrolled in the Class should Register on Quia.com
Go to http://www.quia.com/web and register as a student. You will enroll in the class with the following code number XRBJP868. You can past it into the code blank. Please use your real name or one that I can recognize you. The class quia site will be http://www.quia.com/pages/managinggreenhouses.html.

Course Module Content
The list below will be the modules for the "Managing the School Greenhouse" Class

  • FIRST MODULE FOR EVERYONE

    • 1. Order materials for class.
  • Request a Hummert Catalog.
  • Request 5 retail seed catalogs. (If you are going to do the Classroom Resource Module you can go ahead and order them all at once)
  • Request 2 wholesale seed catalogs.
  • Request a packet from John Henry Labels.
  • Request a sample of 3 greenhouse magazines.
  • Decide the modules that you plan to complete.
    • 2. Contact Clark Harris and be sure that he has your contact information and let me know that you ordered the materials. And tell him which modules you plan to complete.
  • Benches - Bench Design and Arrangement

    • 1. Read the blogs that are related to benches and space in the greenhouse. Post comments to all related blog postings. Do you agree, why? Or do you have a differing opinion?
    2. Review the PowerPoint presentation from Michigan State University (Remember that this is for commercial benches.)
    3. Read the lesson on benches from Arkansas. Especially note the information about heigth, width, support requirements, benching materials, and calculating production surface area.
    4. o to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Benches and complete the questions on the quiz.
  • Classroom Resources-Magazines, Catalogs, Textbooks, etc.

    • 1. Go to the Resouces Page.
    2. Request a copy of three of the greenhouse magazines. Allow time for them to arrive. Review the magazines and determine if any of them would be good to order as a resource for your classroom.
    3. Review the reference books and determine if any of them would be good to order as a resource for your classroom.
    4. Order 1-10 copies of retail seed catalogs to use in class. Be prepared to write a short explanation of how you will use the catalogs.
    5. Go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Resources and complete the questions on the quiz.
  • Crops-Bedding PlantsCounts as two modules

    • 1. Order 2 wholesale seed catalogs, information is on the resources page. You will need them to determine plants for a schedule of production.
    2. Go to the Crops-Bedding Plant page and read the guide from the University of Kentucky.
    3. Read the guide from Purdue on greenhouse pests and learn how to control white flies, aphids and spider mites.
    4. Once you have the catalogs, use them and the Harris Cultural Guide to determine a planting schedule for ten plants, that I have selected, and 10 other plants that you select. (Schedule will include your sale date and seed planting dates for your greenhouse) Create the schedule (Do in Word or another word processor) and paste into the quia document.
    4b. Plants include Wave Petunias, Super Elfin Impatiens, Profusion Zinnias, Wizard Coleus, Elite Geraniums, Cocktail Mix Begonias, Durango Marigold, Salvia, Jetstar Tomatoes, Bell Peppers.
    5. Read the discussion on container selection for bedding plants and geraniums.
    6. Go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Crops-Bedding Plants and complete the questions on the quiz.
  • Crops-Bulb Forcing
  • Crops-Easter Lilies

    • 1. Go to the Bulbs and Lilies web page.
    2. Review the links to easter lilies growing sites.
    3. Create a schedule to grow easter lilies - include when to order the bulbs (and where to order bulbs).
    4. Go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Crops-Easter Lilies and complete the questions on the quiz.
  • Crops-Hanging Baskets & Large Planters

    • 1. Review the information on hanging baskets on the Bedding Plants page.
    2. Review the information on large planters on the Bedding Plants page.
    3. Look at the pictures of baskets and mixed containers
    4. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Crops-Hanging Baskets and Large Planters.
  • Crops-Houseplants
  • Crops-Other Crops
  • Crops-Poinsettias

    • 1. Go to the Crops-Poinsettias page.
    2. Go through the Eric Nelson Powerpoint thoroughly. The original presentation was given to Kansas Ag Teachers.
    3. Look at the crop schedules for poinsettias. You will need to create a fairly simple one. When to plant rooted cuttings, when to pinch, when to sell, etc. You may give general comments on the top about fertilization, shade clothes, etc.
    4. Look at the other resources to build your general knowledge on poinsettias.
    5. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Crops-Poinsettias.
  • Ferilizers & Nutrients
  • FFA Floriculture CDE

    • 1. Go to the Georgia Ag Ed Web site and view the online tests for the FFA Floriculture CDE.
    2. At the Georgia Ag Ed Web sitetake one of the disorder exams until you get a 8 or better.
    3. At the Georgia Ag Ed Web sitetake one of the practice ID exams until you get an 8 or better.
    4. At the Georgia Ag Ed Web sitetake one of the practice National Floriculture CDE exams. On the quiz on quia, mark that you received a score of 40-50.
    5. Go download (if you don't have a copy) of the Kansas FFA Floriculture CDE rules at the K-State College of Agriculture site.
    6. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for FFA Floriculture CDE
  • Greenhouse Simulation

    • 1. Go to the Greenhouse simulator at the Worldwide Greenhouse Education Web site.
    2. Go through several simulations. Change options and repeat the simulations such as; different locations, different equipment, different seasons, etc.
    3. When you do another simulation - reload the page. Try changing just one variable at a time.
    3. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Greenhouse Simulations and explain how you might use the simulation in your teaching or as student activities.
  • Greenhouse Structures-Structural Components
  • Greenhouse Structures-Building (or purchasing) a New Greenhouse

    • 1. If you are in the process of building or purchasing a new greenhouse you can complete this module.
    2. Go to one of the greenhouse supplies on the Resource, Seed, etc.page and select a greenhouse supplier (such as Hummert or Stuppy) and request a greenhouse quote. (This will possibly take a few weeks.
    3. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Building or Purchasing a Greenhouse. Answer the questions on the quiz.
  • Growing Containers
  • Growing Media (Soils & soiless Mixes)

    • 1. Review all of the materials on growing media and substrate.
    2. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Growing Media. Answer the questions on the quiz.
  • Hydroponics
  • Mangement, Business
  • Managing Environment-Heating & Cooling
  • Managing Environment-Sanitation
  • Pest Problems-Disease & Insects

    • 1. Watch the PowerPoint from Sharon Dobesh.
    2. Read Grower 101: A Greenhouse IPM Plan
    3. Read Spring Greenhouse Bedding Plants - Insect, Mite, and Disease Management (Purdue) - in the Crops-Bedding Plant page
    4. Search the internet for pictures of whiteflies, spider mites, and aphids.
    5. Look at the pesticide labeling information.
    6. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Disease and Insect Pests.
  • Pest Problems-Pesticide Application
  • Plant Propagation-Asexual

    • 1. Go review the materials on asexual propagation and micropropagation. You can skim and look more closely when taking the quiz.
    2. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Propagation-Asexual.
    Extra: I would encourage you to try several of the propagation techniques in class. Challenge your students to use unusual methods and to have success.
  • Plant Propagation-Sexual

    • 1. Read the handouts on sexual propagation.
    2. Review some of the "sexual propagation" content on some of the PowerPoint presentations.
    3. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Propagation-Sexual.
  • Purchasing Seed & Supplies
  • Sales & Marketing
  • Science Experiements
  • Student Management & SAE IDEAS

    • 1. Read the strategies on student management.
    2. Read the ideas for student SAES (projects).
    3. Think up other ideas for student management activities and projects.
    4. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Student Management.
  • Visitation Option-This may be done three times.
    • 1. You may ONLY do this option if you did NOT take the spring greenhouse tour.
    2. Visit a greenhouse (another high school, a retail operation, or a large commercial operation) and look at the operation.
    3. Ask the teacher or greenhouse manager questions to help you grow better crops and to manage the students, work flow, etc. better.
    4. Then go to the quia Web site and complete the quiz (assignment form) for Visitation 1, Visitation 2 or Visitation 3.

    ©2007 Clark R. Harris


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