Anticipatory Set/Introduction/Motivation/Interest Approach: Review Yesterday’s Lesson: Yesterday we discussed plant parts and functions, specifically we talked about seeds and trees. We went outside and planted trees and we looked at trees relative to photosynthesis and pruning. The teacher will do a verbal check for understanding from the previous lesson. 1. Explain the functions of a seed beginning of new life, starts new plant 2. Identify the major parts of a seed see the pages before, cotyledon, epicotyl, etc 3. Prepare soil for seed germination and discuss germination of seeds in growing medium 4. Describe the major function of root system to support the entire plant support and nutrient uptake for plants to be able to live, provide oxygen and water to plant 5. Describe the necessary functions of trees relative to photosynthesis and pruning leaves take in photosynthesis and the importance of trees is to know when and where to prune trees so as not to ruin the natural shape on accident Set: Students will look at diseases and issues from cuttings taken from the resource center. The issues will be from improper pruning techniques, but students will be asked to guess why these problems arise. The results of the problem are from improper pruning. Many problems and issues arise from leaving too much plant material above the node or bud of a plant. By pruning stems close to that bud we remove the problem of that stem rotting between the bud and the cut. Transition (Use Objective): 1. Justify the science and art behind pruning. 2. Apply knowledge of plant parts to determine proper pruning cut placement. 3. Explain the importance of maintaining a strong central leader to maintain tree vitality. 4. Sketch pruning cuts pertaining to various types of plants including evergreens, fruit trees, roses, and shrubbery 5. Prune Natural Resource Center plants using knowledge of proper pruning techniques Strategy – Includes Teacher Activity, Student Activity, Questions/Answers and Subject Matter Outline/Problem and Solution (Application Points Lace in Throughout Lesson) (Modeling, Guided Practice, and Content)
6. Pruning roses and flowering shrubs 7.Topiary design On each page students will be asked to provide information about each step and a drawing Also located in the pruning brochure will be extra pages towards the end where students can have extra space to add information about pruning as the lessons continue Why Prune Roses Encourage new growth and bloom Remove dead wood Improve air circulation Shape the plant Rose Pruning Basics Use clean, sharp tools Look at the overall plant, but begin pruning from the base of the plant. Prune to open the center of the plant to light and air circulation Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, about 1/4 inch above a bud that is facing toward the outside of the plant. Make sure it is a clean cut (not ragged) Remove all broken, dead, dying or diseased wood (Any branches that look dry, shriveled or black. Cut until the inside of the cane is white.) Remove any weak or twiggy branches thinner than a pencil Remove sucker growth below the graft. Remove any remaining foliage Objective #5 Students will be taken outside and assigned a project. Before any pruning is performed, the groups will explain to the teacher how they are going to prune the plant. Students will be graded on technique, proper cuts, clean-up, and safety. Example of what students will say about pruning apple trees Goals and Timing There are normally two goals when pruning an apple tree: Initially on young trees to encourage a strong, solid framework On mature trees to maintain shape and encourage fruit production The best time to prune apple trees is in late winter or very early spring before any new growth starts.