Did you know that soybeans are actually native to Asia, where they’ve been grown and eaten for over 5000 years? Discover this and more by watching the four Parts of Soybean Science from the Into the Outdoors episode reveal the scientific and technological impact of soybeans on agriculture and industry. It explores how properties in the legume seed can be converted into a wide variety of products used in industry and its impact on society. The free companion classroom Discussion Guide at the bottom of this page let’s everyone learn together, so have your teacher download it.

Soybeans finally made their way to America in the late 1700s when sailors loaded the lower compartment of ships with heavy bags of soybeans. The soybeans were cheap and helped stabilize the ship on rough seas. Once ships arrived in America, they offloaded the soybeans, loaded new cargo and then set sail back out on the high seas. By the 1800s, American farmers began growing soy and some even started making soy sauce out of them. But it took one very special American chemist to help people realize the amazing secrets of soy. His name was George Washington Carver.

George Washington Carver developed ideas about crop rotation that were based on the idea that plants need certain vital nutrients to grow, like nitrogen, which they get from the soil.  There’s a limited amount of nitrogen in the soil. Once the plants use it up, it needs to be replenished in the soil, and that’s where soybeans save the day. Unlike most plants that only take nitrogen from the soil, legumes can convert nitrogen from the air into nitrogen in the soil. The process is called “nitrogen fixation” and is just one of the science subjects covered in this video and classroom lesson guide series.

Plus, the educational partner noted below supported the video and companion lesson content here for all of us to learn from. They also offer other learning opportunities on their website. Educators are encouraged to evaluate and consider their science sources. Click on their logo to discover more!

    Full Video

    Classroom Videos

    Technology of Soy

    Nitrogen Fixation

    Soybean Farming

    History of Soy

    Classroom Assets

    Soy Discussion Guide

    Nitrogen Fix Lesson

    Soy Farming Lesson

    RElated Content

    CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND FOREST STEWARDSHIP

    Explore how sustainable forest management helps forests adapt to climate change while maintaining biodiversity and supporting local communities. Join the adventure team...

    How Healthy Markets Sustain Forests

    How can forest product markets support healthy forests? Learn how sustainable management practices and strong markets for wood products help conserve forests, benefit...

    The Forest Products Lab

    From mass timber buildings to bioenergy from wood waste, explore the innovative ways forest products are being used to combat climate change and support healthy...

    Managing Forests for Multi-Use

    Discover how sustainable forest management benefits wildlife, recreation, and the economy. From protecting ecosystems to producing forest products, learn how forests...

    Decoding Industrial Sand Mining

    When you think about mining, you probably think about minerals like gold, diamonds, or copper. But sand? What is so special about the sand deposits in Wisconsin and why...

    Turning Crude Oil into Fuels

    Have you ever wondered where the fuels that power our vehicles comes from? Or, have you thought about how they turn syrupy black crude into the clear gasoline and fuels...

    Soybean Sustainability

    Sometimes, we think that the food we eat just pops out of the ground or appears magically at our supermarkets, but the truth is much different. Jacob and Gianna, our...

    Searching For Sustainability

    This 70-minute documentary explores the challenges and solutions we face in our collective search for sustainability. Full VideoClassroom VideosSearching For...

    The Ottaway, A River Reborn

    This page offers a chance for you to see the entire Emmy-winning film in HD. It also provides link to the classroom educational films and lesson activities related to...

    Amazing Eco Trek Race

    Could you survive this gauntlet of physical and mental tests? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the information below....

    Thank you, Partners!