YOUTH INITIATIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Waldorf Initiative in Viroqua, Wisconsin, USA
COURSES AND CLASSES
Botany
Grade 11
25 September~ 13 October 2006
Teacher: Vicki Ramsay
Botany Course Description. With the exception of the mysterious organisms who utilize heat energy emanating from deep sea trenches, all organisms on earth get their energy from the sun. Plants are exceptionally amazing in that they not only utilize this energy for their own growth, repair, and reproduction, but are able to contribute their essence to a multitude of other organisms so that they, too, may live, grow, and reproduce.
The Botany main lesson block will begin with a discussion of how plants came to be here and changed the very nature of our earth and atmosphere. During the first week of this class we will explore such questions as, how did life first develop the ability to harness the sun’s energy? How did this forever change the earth’s atmosphere? How did it change the topography of the earth? What are the specific processes involved in photosynthesis? We will follow the evolution of plants from simple to complex organisms, studying plants in their environments and utilizing the microscope to view their cellular structure. Students will understand the basic structures and functions of a plant cell, including organelles and nuclear components. We will examine seeds, roots, shoots, leaves and flowers, observing the growth patterns in each. Specific attention will be paid to mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms.
In addition to the study of plant anatomy and physiology, we will also explore plant habitats. Some major themes of plant community ecology include the study of populations, communities and biomes. We will focus specifically on the unique biomes of Wisconsin. During the second week of classes we will be going on a field trip to the Kickapoo Reserve, where we will have the opportunity to observe plants in various microclimates and visit distinctive biomes of Wisconsin. Joining us on our trip will be endangered resource specialist, Armand Bartz, whose knowledge of species specific information will be invaluable to us. If any parents are interested in driving and/or attending, please let me know as soon as possible.
One of our gifts this year is being able to have this course take place in September and early October when the world of plants is very much awake and their changes still quite visible. Because of this, our class will be outside quite a bit of the time. Please come prepared for the weather!
Throughout our discussions, we will keep in mind that all things are interconnected. As we explore the world of plants, we will also be exploring the interconnections between the worlds of plants, animals, and fungi, and the effects that humans have on all of these.
In addition to the readings and daily class work, students will be expected to complete an independent project. The project can either be a three-week plant experiment or a plant collection with identification. The guidelines and expectations for each of these projects will be provided on the first day of class. Students will be graded on their mastery of two short, open-book exams, a field journal, independent project and main lesson book.