There is a lot of resistance to genetic modification and the use of genetically modified crops. What is the science? This unit helps to provide some background in cell function and DNA properties, helping students to understand how genetic modification can make a difference. The developments in biotechnology are highlighted and students create a marketing campaign for GMO’s. This unit features 6 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

We are bombarded by new foods every time we go into a grocery store or watch television. Where are all of these foods coming from? Food science is the answer. This AFNR unit introduces several aspects of food science. Students investigate the issue of food safety, the chemistry, biology and physics involved in making some foods, and create a package design to market a new food product. This unit features 6 lessons and 8 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

This unit helps meet some of the AFNR curriculum standards for natural resources. Students will learn how to test texture and other physical characteristics of soil, conduct water quality tests, engineer a water filter, identify air quality parameters, and research careers in natural resources. This unit features 3 lessons and 8 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Each plant is classified according to broad categories based on characteristics they share. New DNA technology has allowed us to be more specific in determining the “relatives” of plants. This activity helps students understand the various ways of classifying to show these different relationships. Use HHMI Biointeractive Click and Learn lesson: Creating Phylogenetic Trees from DNA Sequences for additional background information. This unit features 5 lessons and 9 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Where does computer science and innovation fit in the industry of agriculture? Nearly everywhere! These lessons help students investigate agriculture as a source of innovation and technology which may be unfamiliar but is critically important to food security and feeding the world. This unit features 2 lessons and 3 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

A pest is any organism that is unwanted or causes harm. How might we use these pest species to find out if they have any beneficial traits, such as antibacterial or antimicrobial properties? Students will learn techniques that allow a closer inspection of the microbiomes of insects in order to look for bacterial resistance and natural antimicrobial properties. This unit features 3 lessons and 10 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Create ink recipes and test the formulas. Ink is basically pigment mixed in a liquid that will not blur when put on paper. Inks made with soybean oil are made from a renewable resource, are much more biodegradable, and print with brighter colors that don’t rub off. This activity is one of several from a 4H Agriscience Biotechnology Series. This unit features 1 lesson and 2 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

It takes 30 million eggs a day to satisfy the US consumer! Ohio is #2 in the nation in egg production and ag engineers have helped to design facilities that keep chickens safe from predators and disease, comfortable in all kinds of weather and allow the animals easy access to water and food made from soybean meal. In addition, the eggs the animals produce must be safely transported, cleaned and packaged. In this activity students will use the engineering design process to imagine, plan and test a prototype egg catcher. This unit features 1 lesson and 2 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

How do animals digest food? Animal nutritionists determine feed rations for livestock, zoo animals, and pets related to their dietary needs but also their digestive systems. This unit will make a connection between soybean used as high protein feed and the types of digestive systems in animals. This unit features 3 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

What do you know about animal nutrition? Animal nutrition encompasses the dietary needs of animals, primarily those in agriculture and food production, but also in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife management. Learning objectives: Describe the seven major classes of nutrients. Describe the various digestive systems of animals. Identify careers that are involved in animal nutrition. Explain how soy is important to animal nutrition.

Animal nutrition focuses on the dietary needs of animals—not just those in agriculture and food production, but also in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife management. Pets need good nutrition, too. In this lesson, students compare pet foods. This unit features 3 lessons and 6 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Students discover the science and challenges behind global fish farming by completing these three lessons. This unit features 3 lessons and 6 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

This course, brought to you by a partnership between the Ohio Soybean Council and the Columbus Council on World Affairs, will help you understand important issues related to the growing demand for aquaculture and the role soybeans are playing in producing a healthy and plentiful supply of fish. Learning objectives: Describe why aquaculture is needed, Describe the various methods used to farm fish, Identify the careers that are involved in aquaculture, Explain how soy is important to aquaculture

In vitro collecting (IVC) is the process of starting plant tissue cultures with minimal disturbance to the plants when viable seeds are not available. Become the field researcher and learn how to collect tissue samples in a non-sterile environment using aseptic techniques. Use standard laboratory operating procedures (SLOPs) to prepare media for the IVC process. This unit features 3 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Turkey production is a booming business in Ohio. The state ranks ninth in the nation for turkey production. The sale of turkey products earns $1 billion for Ohio annually and creates 21,846 jobs!  In this e-learning course, learn what it takes to raise healthy, happy turkeys during each phase of their life, from hatchling to adult. At the end of this course you will be able to: Identify the essential elements needed for raising healthy turkeys. Describe the chick stage of life for turkeys and identify the elements needed for growth. Describe the poult stage of life for turkeys and identify the elements needed for growth. Describe the adult stage of life for turkeys and identify the elements needed for growth and maintenance. Compare and contrast a conventional turkey farm and a free-range turkey farm. This course was developed with support from the Ohio Poultry Association.

Infrastructure is critical to the functions of the country, in particular the shipment of commodity crops such as soybeans. This unit introduces students to several types of infrastructure that are important for the movement of soybeans from grower to processor to consumer. Students analyze data and calculate capacity for each method of transportation. This unit features 2 lessons and 10 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Create a cookbook to learn Standard Operating Procedures for food safety and environmental monitoring. Test for proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and compare plant and animal protein. This unit features 5 lessons and 16 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Are soybeans everywhere? Really? Check ingredient labels in a variety of cookies, peanut butter, soups, chips, chocolate candy, microwave popcorn and other processed snacks. Many of the foods we eat include soy ingredients: soy protein, soy flour, soy grits, soy lecithin, and soybean oil. Use the 5E science instructional model with a series of experiments to explore the properties of water and answer the question: What makes “NesQuik™” quick? This unit features 1 lesson and 2 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Make biochar, a soil amendment, by making and using a model top light updraft (TLUD) pyrolysis kiln or oven. This unit features 1 lesson and 1 file. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

International markets are very important to soybean farmers across the globe. In this unit, students in a Spanish language class will explore the idea of a bioeconomy and research case studies of Spanish-speaking countries trying to compete in the global marketplace by growing soybeans. This curriculum has been designed as a transdisciplinary 2-week unit using the theme of sustainability to combine proficiency-based world language pedagogy with the real-world relevance of problem-based learning at the heart of STEM education. This unit features 5 lessons and 17 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.