Through the Food and Agriculture RET program, teachers will be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to communicate and educate the youth of the Midwest on the role of soybeans in their lives, the lives of their families and the impact of soybeans on the state, region and nation.
There are five key messages:
1) Agriculture, in general, and soy production specifically are critical to the economy of the U.S.;
2) Scientific research is the key to increasingly profitable soybean production and to increased demand for soybeans—and it is important for children (k-12) to understand this perspective;
3) There are many opportunities for careers in agricultural research;
4) Soy production is environmentally sustainable, a nutritious source of protein for animals, and a sustainable feedstock for bio-based products; and
5) Food and agriculture can be used as a vehicle for understanding many concepts in science.
Teachers will gain significant knowledge about soybeans and how to use soybeans as a relevant model organism for the teaching science. They will take experiences and practical lessons to use with students back to their classrooms.