Learning Objectives

Notes

13.1
To understand the role that light, temperature, water and nutrients have on indoor plants. (TL, NUM)

Discuss with students how the wavelength of light affects the growth of plants and determine the wavelength that is most suitable for indoor plant growth. (COM)

The students can set up an experiment to determine how the quantity and quality of light each affect the growth of plants in an interior setting.

Have students practise using a light meter to measure light intensity. Take measurements, at various locations on plants, the tops of leaves, underside of leaves, ground level and crown and compare intensities. (TL)

Further experiments may be conducted to measure an indoor plant’s response to changes in air temperature (above and below optimal).

Have the students discuss the water requirements (quality, temperature and frequency of watering) of individual plants. Have the students develop and conduct an experiment to show the effects of cold water compared to room temperature water on plant uptake and growth.

Have the students describe and demonstrate various watering methods (water from bottom, from the top, and misting). Conduct a set of experiments to identify symptoms of excess and lack of water.

Identify the principal elements in fertilizer and the function of each element for plant development. The students can do a number of experiments to see the effects of proper over and under fertilization.

13.2
To establish and understand the proper types of growing media. (TL, IL)

Have students collect evidence of the impact of salts in water used to irrigate interior plants and provide several solutions for the problem. (CCT)

Have the students test water samples for acidity or alkalinity. Then students can research and define "pH" in their own words.

Students could also perform a chemical analysis to determine the quality of water. If possible, have students conduct an experiment to determine the trace elemental composition of various water samples.

Students could demonstrate and define the terms aeration and compaction as they apply to various growing media. It is best to provide a medium that is neither acidic or alkaline for use in an interior plantscape.

Have the students conduct a soil test to assess the condition of the soil and make recommendations as to how it could be improved.

Students could research hydroponic growing operations to learn how such systems operate. A tour of a greenhouse that is using this growing method would be worthwhile.

A variety of growing experiments could also be developed to compare soil growth to hydroponic growth and product yield.

Discuss the soil requirements of various plants and have the students prepare soil samples that contain an appropriate selection of elements.

13.3
To develop consistent plant maintenance routines and safe cultural practices.

Have students develop an effective fertilizer program for an interior plantscape. (CCT)

Have students demonstrate the following routine plant maintenance operations: trimming, pruning, staking, cleaning, installation, removal, and sanitation. (TL)

13.4
To develop insect and disease control methods safe for public spaces and the environment. (TL, CCT)

Identify and suggest how to control: white-fly, aphids, scale, mealy bugs, and fungus gnats.

Have students research the movement of Dutch Elm disease across the prairie provinces, as well as efforts to control it. Suggest additional methods to control the spread of disease.