I’ve had a few students propose additional courses, so I’ll use this space to share their ideas. In some cases it might simply be a title or course description, in others the students have gone so far as to come up with the full list of modules (it can be a lot of fun developing this type of curriculum). Here’s what we have so far…
Course: Floral Design (potential HS course).
Unit 1: Introduction to Floral Design
• History of floral design (e.g., Egyptian, Roman, Japanese Ikebana)
• Overview of careers in the floral industry
Unit 2: Safety and Sanitation
• Safe tool handling (cutters, knives, wires)
• Proper sanitation of tools and workspaces
Unit 3: Elements and Principles of Design
• Elements: line, form, space, texture, color
• Principles: balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, harmony
Unit 4: Color Theory
• Color wheel, complementary colors, color harmony
• Psychological effects of color in floral arrangements
Unit 5: Tools and Supplies
• Identification and use of tools (floral foam, wire, tape, clippers)
• Care and storage of supplies
Unit 6: Flower and Foliage Identification
• Common cut flowers and greens
• Seasonal and local varieties
Unit 7: Flower Care and Handling
• Conditioning flowers
• Hydration and storage practices
Unit 8: Basic Arrangements
• Round, triangular, and horizontal designs
• Vase and foam-based arrangements
Unit 9: Corsages and Boutonnieres
• Wiring and taping techniques
• Appropriate styles for different events
Unit 10: Wedding Designs
• Bouquets, centerpieces, arch pieces
• Color coordination and theme planning
Unit 11: Sympathy and Funeral Flowers
• Wreaths, sprays, and tributes
• Cultural sensitivity in sympathy work
Unit 12: Holiday and Seasonal Arrangements
• Designs for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, etc.
• Incorporating seasonal materials
Unit 13: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Floral Design
• Foam-free methods
• Using locally grown and reusable materials
Unit 14: Marketing and Sales in Floral Design
• Pricing arrangements
• Customer service, social media marketing
Unit 15: Capstone Project or Floral Showcase
• Students design and present original work
• Could include a final portfolio or floral competition