OVERVIEW OF PROJECT: This project will span several months.  All lessons mesh Horticulture, and Life Science.  All lessons follow a theme of propagation and support for plants.

STANDARDS:  State Life Science Standards and Benchmarks.

ASSESSMENT:  This unit uses the Life Skills Rubric and the Academic Rubric as well as teacher observation.

UNIT OUTCOME: Students will learn the techniques of propagating plants and, they will actually grow the plants.

CONDITIONS:  Life Science classes, Horticulture and Agriculture.  Takes place in the classroom, or outside in the garden.

CRITERIA:  Successful growth of plants.

MATERIALS:  Each lesson gives a list of the materials needed.

MODIFICATIONS/ACCOMODATIONS: CEach lesson includes suggestions for modifying the lesson as will as accommodating special needs students.  These must be interpreted as suggestions only and are not all-inclusive.

STANDARDS:  Each lesson refers to the State Standards and Benchmarks applicable.

FORCING BULBS

LESSON 1: Forcing Bulbs

OUTCOME:  Students will understand and practice the principles of forcing a bulb to bloom indoors out of season.

CONDITIONS:  This lesson will be ongoing, with periodic checks on the plant’s progress.

ACTIVITIES:  Teachers and students procedure:

FORCING BULBS:

1.   Select bulbs such as Narcissus, Tulips, and Hyacinth.
2.   Purchase potting soil.
3.   Place drainage material (a stone or piece of clay pot) in the bottom of pot.
4. Put a layer of soil in bottom of pot.  Set the bulb in the pot and fill in around the bulb with the soil covering the bulb.
5. Water by setting pot in a pan of water (from the bottom).
6. Label the pot.
7. Set the planted pot outside in a cold frame, shed, or refrigerator (50degrees), from November to January.  Mulch the top of the pot before putting it out.
8. Remove pot from the cold in January and place in a greenhouse, or warmer window area with light.  Water well.
9. Tulips bloom 5 weeks from the time of bringing it indoors.  Other bulbs may take more or less time to bloom.

MATERIALS:  Bulbs, pots, potting soil, water, rocks, and labels.

MODIFICATIONS/ACCOMODATIONS: Work in pairs.  Allow students to assist one another.

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT: Blooming of bulbs, teacher observation.

STANDARDS:  Life Science, grade 9/10.

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