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

    Reconnecting Rivers & Invasive Species

    Maybe it's only natural that us humans rarely think about how our actions today might impact others or the environment 100 years later. That was especially true back in...

    Savvy Sustainability

    So what exactly is this "sustainability" stuff? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the information below. And to take this...

    Sensible Sustainable Solutions

    More than ever, people are searching for ways to become more sustainable in their homes, communities and as citizens of Planet Earth. In Sensible Sustainable Solutions,...

    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...

    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...

    Dam Removal and Restoration

    This episode unravels some of the foundational chemistry that affects everything on planet earth. Today, thousands of communities across the country face the challenges...

    Into Wetland Conservation

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, we’re taking you to South Dakota to learn about how wetland habitats are being protected on both public and private lands. Join Into...

    Positive Impact: Embracing Renewable Energy

    In this episode of Into the Outdoors, Adventure Team members Zach, Aubrey, Chloe and Charlie explore the changing energy industry and how some organizations are leading...

    Into Family Fishing the Last Frontier

    In this Into the Outdoors episode, discover the art of fly fishing and how this activity can be enjoyed at any stage of life. We follow the story of a young kid, his...

    Into Bringing Back Wisconsin’s Elk

    Join us in this Into the Outdoors episode as we welcome the elk back to Wisconsin! But wait...maybe you didn’t even know they left?  Elk were completely eliminated in...

    Thank you, Partners!