Horticulture & Agricultural Educaiton

Horticulture is one of the fastest growing areas of agriculture. As people in the U.S. and around the world tryto get closer to nature and the food we consume, we look outward at where our food comes from and how it is grown. It comes naturally that we develop an interest in conservation and simplyfying our lives.

Our horticulture program at WUHS introduces students to three basic principles involved in growing and caring for plants. The horticulture department has successfully integrated a hands-on approach to learning with different grade levels and types of learners. Our classroom, two-fully staffed greenhouses, a small tree nursery, and numerous gardens on the grounds, offer students a choice of areas to practice the skills needed to seek jobs or further their education in the area of horticulture.

 

510/ FORESTRY SCIENCE I
Grades 10-12                                          Level III
Prerequisite: None
1 credit
The purpose of this course is to explore forestry, conservation, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. This course will provide the student with an overview of the competencies and skills needed for occupational opportunities in each area. Students will study tree and shrub identification along with related insect and disease problems. In the first and fourth quarters, students will do many outdoor hands-on projects related to their studies. The course includes several working and observational field trips in the Woodstock area. In addition, students will have the opportunity to listen to several expert guest speakers.

 

511/ FORESTRY SCIENCE II
Grades 11-12                                          Level III
Prerequisite: Forestry I                               1 credit
The purpose of this course is to explore in greater depth the competencies and skills involved in the areas of forestry, conservation, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Students will
also be introduced to wildlife tracking, land management, mapping, the nursery business, landscaping, and arbor culture. There will be several working field trips during the year.

 

245/ HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
Grades 10-12                                          Level III
Prerequisite: None                                    1 science credit
This course will help students meet the challenges and opportunities that will be present in the 21st century. Students will be stimulated both to think independently and to extend their learning beyond course requirements. The course will give students an overview of more than 50 different areas of study within the horticulture field including
plant science, plant propagation, greenhouse management and crops, integrated pest management, use of plants in the landscape, soil science, lawn and turf grass establishment and maintenance, the vegetable garden, the small fruit garden, and holiday crafts and floral designs. Lab work is conducted in our greenhouses.

 

513/ HORTICULTURE II
Grades 10-12                                          Level III
Prerequisite: Horticulture I                          1 credit
This course continues to develop competencies needed for occupational entry and advanced training in Horticulture. Students will learn the art of Bonsai design, create dish gardens, and explore the field of hydroponics. Throughout the year students will grow and market seasonal plants, including vegetables, annuals, perennials, potted mums, poinsettias, bulbs, flowers and Easter lilies. This is primarily a hands-on course with related written work distributed throughout the school year.

 

517/ HORTICULTURE III
Grades 11-12                                          Level III
Prerequisite: Horticulture I & II                    1 credit
This course is designed for students who have a strong interest in the horticulture field. An individual course of study will be developed for each student’s interests. Students will be challenged to think independently and to extend their learning beyond course requirements.

 

515/ ADVANCED AGRICULTURAL STUDIES
Grades 11-12                                          Level III
Prerequisite: Horticulture I, Forestry I                        1 credit
Each student will develop a course of study and a set of objectives in order to continue to develop the competencies needed to enter the job market. All students will have classroom and outdoor activities based on their individualized course of study. Students should contact the instructor before signing up for this course.

 

516/ OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
Grades 11-12                                          Level III
Prerequisite: None                                    1 credit
This course offers an in-depth study of natural resources. Units will include ecology, forestry, wildlife, conservation, outdoor recreation, energy use and current environmental issues. Students will have outdoor projects and join forestry students on working field trips. Grades will be determined through the following: tests, worksheets, written reports, outdoor work projects and reading a variety of articles related to the class.