Unit:
Photosynthesis
L: careers
Responsible teacher: DCO
Working with plants
10 mins
1). Prepare for Learning/Starter
Watch Futuremorph video of 2 horticulture students demonstrating their work. One student has Aspergers Syndrome and one
is deaf so a discussion about disability and access to work might be appropriate.
http://www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/elibrary/resource/2594/case-study-horticulture#videoBig
2a) Lesson Objectives –
Describe courses of study available in
horticulture and related areas
Learn some ways plants can be grown
Introduce students to a variety of career
options in these fields
3) Present New Information
2b) Lesson Outcomes - Pupils will:
Watch and discuss a video case study about
horticulture courses
Prepare, plant and care for plants produced
from cuttings and seeds
Gather information about growing
hydroponically
Make a presentation about a career
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Key processes
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5 mins
Explain that pupils are going to explore 3 ways of growing plants. Groups should rotate around the 3 activities. 5
students maximum can visit the greenhouse at any one time so larger groups will need to split and re-form.
(If greenhouse not available, you could prepare paper-based hydroponics information or just use 2 activities)
3) Construct
40 mins
1. Visit the greenhouse and use posters on display to write down information about hydroponics (max 5
students for 10 mins). Draw a diagram of how the system works. (or use paper-based alternative)
2. Follow the instructions on the seed packet and plant a seed(s) in a small pot of compost. Draw a diagram
and write instructions for care.
3. Take 2 cuttings and plant in pots with and without rooting powder – see student worksheet and teacher
notes
Keep plants from 2 and 3 in the lab and monitor over the coming weeks.
5) Apply
40 mins
http://www.growcareers.info Website on careers in horticulture.
Pairs of students use this website to produce a presentation on a career in horticulture / plant sciences. There are
6 areas of horticulture on the right hand side of the home page – encourage pairs to choose different areas. Each
area has videos and information to use as a resource. Key questions to include: What qualifications does the job
need? What are the main tasks someone doing this job would carry out? How much would you earn? What sort of
person would be best suited to this work?
6) Review + Homework
Range and content
5 mins
If time, pairs could present their careers research. Alternatively, complete presentations for HW and present next
time.
Focus questions
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What courses about plants and growing are available?
What jobs could I do that involve plants and growing?
What are some ways of producing new plants?
How can we grow plants without soil?
What personal qualities would you need for jobs in
horticulture / plant sciences?
Assessment for Learning opportunities
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Discussion about video clip
Peer support with practical tasks – teacher not always
available
Written report on practical tasks
Presentations
SEN/EAL/G&T
People with extra learning needs act as role models in the film
clip.
Practical activities are accessible to all abilities.
Technical requirements/materials
Greenhouse (if available) (or paper-based alternative)
Packets of seeds with growing instructions. Small pots per
student with compost, trays etc.
Student sheet ‘Cloning a living organism’.
Fresh Busy Lizzie and Geranium plants
Student laptops
Horticulture teacher notes
Flipchart file – working with plants