BIOLOGY - HORTICULTURE SCIENCE - GARDENING ELEMENTARy, TEEN

LAURA BRUNER

Laura completed her masters and doctorate in horticulture from Auburn University in the early 2000s. Her doctoral research evaluated the feeding preferences of butterflies for landscape plants. After completing her graduate studies in horticulture and teaching at Auburn University for several semesters, Laura decided to be home with her children and embarked on home-education. During this time, Laura continued to enjoy plants and nature through writing for gardening magazines, teaching Master Gardeners classes and designing landscapes. Now that her children are graduated and older, she has taught horticulture classes at Blue Ridge Community College while operating a landscape design business. Above all, she continues to be struck by awe and wonder at the beauty God created for us to enjoy through our world. Laura is a life long learner because there will not be enough time this side of heaven to learn everything God has created for us to explore in nature, design and beauty.

BIOLOGY WITH LABS

Target Levels: Ages 13 - 18 

24 Weeks

The Riot and the Dance: Foundational Biology is a comprehensive, faith-based high school biology curriculum authored by Dr. Gordon Wilson, a biologist and professor who presents science through the lens of a Christian worldview. This engaging course provides a rigorous introduction to biological principles while celebrating the complexity, beauty, and intentional design of the living world as the handiwork of the Creator.

Rooted in a biblical framework, this curriculum explores God’s creation from the smallest cellular structures to entire ecosystems. It emphasizes that life is not a random accident, but the result of intelligent design by a sovereign and purposeful God. Students are encouraged to see biology as an act of worship—observing and understanding the natural world as a reflection of God’s power, order, and creativity.

Key Topics Covered:

• • The scientific method and principles of biological inquiry

• • Cell structure and function

• • Genetics and inheritance

• • Classification and taxonomy

• • Microbiology, botany, zoology

• • Ecology and environmental stewardship

• • Human biology

• • An overview of comparative anatomy and physiology

Parents will need to purchase the Textbook, Lab Manual and Teacher's Guide (for texts & assesments)

Category: High School Science Credit

Prerequisites: None

Tuition:   $455.00

For full schedule details, please view our Class Matrix.

PLANT  HORTICULTURE SCIENCE - HIGH SCHOOL

Target Level:  Ages 13 - 19

24 Weeks

Plant and Horticulture Science introduces the major concepts of plant and horticulture science and includes both classroom and hands-on indoor and outdoor laboratory activities. Students will learn about the economic and cultural importance of horticulture, including careers in the field. Students will develope practical skills for plant production and care, as well as a deeper understanding of the role plants play in our daily lives and the environment. This course is designed to foster a passion for plants and the environment while providing students with valuable skills for future studies or careers in horticulture. Plant and Horticulture Science is ideal for students interested in agriculture, environmental science, or pursuing a career in horticulture.

High School credit - Career and Technology

24 weeks total / 1.5 hours per week in class + 3.5 hours per week @ home (120 instructional contact), tests and grading administered at home

Learning objectives will include:

Identify plant parts, growth and reproduction processes
Determine factors that affect plant development and growth
Examine vegetative and seed reproduction in plants
Basic principles and uses of soil and plant growth media including soil chemistry
Examine macro, secondary and micro plant nutrients and discuss appropriate use of fertilizers (organic and inorganic)
Identify and evaluate insects, weeds, and diseases damaging to plants
Pollinator ecology
Compare various growing containers for plant production
Compare plant irrigation methods
Explore plant science and horticulture careers and opportunities

Tuition: $455.00   Sibling Discount:  20% 

For full schedule details, please view our Class Matrix.

ELEMENTARY MASTERS GARDENING

Target Levels:  Ages 7 - 12  

K5 - 1ST can attend with a parent who is willing to assist the teacher at no additional charge.

10 Weeks

In class and at home, students will work toward achieving the Junior Master Gardener certification using curriculum developed by AgriLife Learn, Texas A&M University and managed by the South Carolina extension service.

We will study the wonderful creation of plants through 1.) gardening and observing how plants work and why they do what they do, 2.) learning how plants fit into the big picture of ecology with bugs and soil, 3.) propagation - how can we use the nature of plants to grow more of them and 4.) learning how to grow and use plants in ways that are wise and useful. 


Subjects included in the Junior Master Gardener coursework are Plant Growth and Development, Soils and Water, Ecology and the Environment, Insects and Diseases, Landscape Horticulture, Fruits and Nuts, Vegetables and Herbs and Horticulture Career Exploration.

Requirement: Junior Master Gardener Handbook -  $15

For more information on Junior Master Gardeners - https://jmgkids.us/,https://jmgkids.us/curriculum-2/jmg-teacher-guide-youth-handbook/

Tuition: $210.00 . Sibling distinct: 20%

For full schedule details, please view our Class Matrix.

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GARDENING 101 -  TEEN & ADULTS

Target Levels:  Ages 12 - Parent/Adult

10 Weeks

Teen and Adult Gardening 101 is an exciting hands-on learning experience on how to garden for both food and beauty year-round. Students will learn the chemistry of compost, irrigation and nutrition, the botany involved in growing plants, the biology of managing pests in the garden and the knowledge of cultivating plants through the season to harvest. This course is jam packed with interesting and informative lessons that will teach you all about the science of gardening from designing your space to growing strong plants to dealing with weeds, pests and diseases.

Topics will include: 1.) Seed starting for vegetables and flowers, 2.) winter starting, 3.) vegetative propagation, 4.) soil biology, improvement and conservation, 5.) irrigation options, 6.) plant nutrition - organic and inorganic options and 7.) pest and pollinator ecology

Textbook (available via Amazon): Gardening for Geeks: All the Science You Need for Successful Organic Gardening, notebook, garden gloves (if desired), trowel.

Tuition: $ 145.00    Sibling/Parent $116.00

For full schedule details, please view our Class Matrix.

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