Introduction to Plant Systems
Students develop core competencies in plant systems through the study of plant anatomy, physiology, growth, and environmental cultivation systems. They learn both sexual and asexual propagation techniques, evaluate soil and soilless media, apply plant nutrition and integrated pest management principles, and explore greenhouse and controlled‑environment production systems. Instruction also covers plant identification and selection, agricultural mechanics skills related to plant production, and the use of emerging technologies, including drones, in modern plant agriculture. The course provides a strong foundation for further study in plant science, horticulture, and agronomy. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Notes
Class Size Regulation
The Virginia Administrative Code regulates the class size for this course. For additional information, see 8VAC20-120-150, "Maximum class size," or contact the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education at cte@doe.virginia.gov.
Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
- Agricultural Business Fundamentals I (36 Weeks)
- Agricultural Production Technology (36 Weeks)
- Applied Agricultural Concepts (18 Weeks)
- Applied Agricultural Concepts (36 Weeks)
- Biological Applications in Agriculture (36 Weeks)
- Biotechnology Foundations in Agricultural and Environmental Science (36 Weeks)
- Ecology and Environmental Management (18 Weeks)
- Ecology and Environmental Management (36 Weeks)
- Floral Design I (36 Weeks)
- Floriculture (36 Weeks)
- Forestry Management (36 Weeks)
- Foundations of Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources (36 Weeks)
- Horticulture Science (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Natural Resources & Ecology Systems (36 Weeks)
- Landscaping I (36 Weeks)
- Livestock Production Management (36 Weeks)
- Turfgrass Management (36 Weeks)
Industry Credentials (Only apply to 36-week courses)
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 112022 | Sales Managers | No |
| 451011 | First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | No |
| 172081 | Environmental Engineers | No |
| 194042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | No |
| 192041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | No |
| 372021 | Pest Control Workers | No |
| 194031 | Chemical Technicians | No |
| 513099 | Food Processing Workers, All Other | No |
| 194071 | Forest and Conservation Technicians | No |
| 119121 | Natural Sciences Managers | No |
| 252031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | No |
| 194021 | Biological Technicians | No |
| 373013 | Tree Trimmers and Pruners | No |
| 452091 | Agricultural Equipment Operators | Yes |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Agribusiness Systems |
|
| Environmental Service Systems |
|
| Food Products & Processing Systems |
|
| Natural Resources Systems |
|
| Plant Systems |
|
| Power, Structural, & Technical Systems |
|
