Unit B: Plants for Food and Fibre (emphasis on Science and Technology)
Overview:
Humans have always depended on plants as a source of food and fibre, and to meet a variety of other needs. To better meet these needs, technologies have been developed for selecting and breeding productive varieties, and to maximize their growth by modifying growing environments. (Plant Biotechnology Resource) Long-term sustainability requires that we become aware of the practices we use, and examine impacts of these practices on the larger environment.Alberta Environment (Website)
investigate the extent of natural and managed living resources in agricultural, horticultural, forest and grassland environments; and identify examples of local and global change (e.g., describe changes in the size of forested areas; describe changes in the characteristics of forested areas)
Students will: Investigate life processes and structures of plants, and interpret related characteristics and needs of plants in a local environment
describe the general structure and functions of seed plants (i.e., root, stem, leaf and flower) Plant Biology
investigate and interpret variations in plant structure, and relate these to different ways that plants are adapted to their environment (e.g., distinguish between plants with shallow spreading roots and those with deep tap roots; describe and interpret differences in flower form and in the timing of flower production)
investigate and describe characteristics of different soils and their major component (e.g., distinguish between clay soils, sandy soils and soils rich in organic content; investigate and describe particle sizes, compaction, and moisture content of soil samples)
Students will: Identify and interpret relationships between human needs, technologies, environments, and the culture and use of living things as sources of food and fibre
investigate and identify intended and unintended consequences of environmental management practices (e.g., identify problems arising from monocultural land use in agricultural and forestry practices, such as susceptibility to insect infestation or loss of diversity)