The Plant Science pathway prepares students for careers in plant production, horticulture, greenhouse management, and environmental sciences. Students develop hands-on skills in plant growth, soils, crop production, and sustainable agriculture while exploring modern plant science technologies.
Foundations of Plant Science (Level 1) Students explore the fundamentals of plant science, including plant growth, soils, nutrition, reproduction, and crop production. The course introduces careers in agriculture while building technical, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Plant and Soil Systems (Level 2) Students apply plant science principles through hands-on learning in soil science, greenhouse management, crop production, hydroponics, and sustainable agriculture. The course emphasizes technical skills and real-world agricultural practices.
Plant Systems Management and Sustainability (Level 3) Students develop foundational accounting skills by learning how businesses record, analyze, and communicate financial information. Topics include budgeting, financial statements, cost accounting, and accounting technology used in today’s business world.
Work-Based Learning (Level 4)
Students participate in real-world learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to careers in plant science, horticulture, greenhouse management, environmental science, and sustainable agriculture. Through job shadowing, workplace visits, mentorships, industry guest speakers, career preparation activities, and an internship, students gain firsthand experience with plant production, soil management, greenhouse operations, hydroponics, crop systems, and agricultural technologies. Work-based learning helps students strengthen technical, communication, teamwork, professionalism, and problem-solving skills while preparing for industry credentials, postsecondary education, and future careers in plant science and agriculture.
National FFA Organization (FFA)
The National FFA Organization is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that prepares students for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. Through leadership opportunities, community service, hands-on agricultural experiences, and career and leadership development events, students build technical knowledge, teamwork, communication, and career-ready skills while connecting classroom learning to real-world agricultural industries. Students may participate in local, state, and national conferences and competitions while developing the skills needed for future success in college, the workforce, and agricultural careers. Explore more on the Delaware FFA website and the National FFA website.
