As spring planting begins, it is an excellent opportunity for educators to discuss soybean production here in Illinois. There are a number of activities that correspond with germination and seed structure lessons already being taught in the classrooms.
Not only are soybeans one of Illinois' largest crops, but they are also large seeds that make seed dissection and study very easy. Lessons about the many uses of soybeans can lead into studying the variables of germination and plant growth as well as pollination and bees.The soybean is the principal source of vegetable oil for the US diet; the leading supplier of protein needed to produce poultry, pork and beef and an important source of raw material for the chemical industry.
- Check out our Lip Balm Kit or Hand lotion kit to do some Soybean activities in your class!
- Illinois Soybean Association Education Materials
- Soybean Ag Mag
- Soybean Terra Nova
- Bean Book
- Garden in a Glove
- Beanie Baby
- Science of a GMO
- Grow it Now, Drive it Later?
- Full of Beans, Henry Ford Grows a Car
- From Soybeans to Car Parts