Educator Resources
Illinois is the No. 1 soybean-producing state, and the Illinois Soybean Association is dedicated to providing educators and students with valuable insights into the industry. Soybeans are used in products ranging from food and animal feed to biodiesel and industrial goods. Learning about the science behind soybean cultivation helps students understand innovation in agriculture and emphasizes that everyone is connected to agriculture, either directly or indirectly. Our resources, such as the agriculture and science curriculum for high school students and our Pod to Plate storybook for younger students, are free to download.
Pod to Plate Storybook and Video
Pod to Plate Book: From growing seasons and transportation to soybean meal and soy-based foods, explore the lifecycle of soybeans.
Pod to Plate Video: Whether it’s food, fuel or furniture, soybeans can be found anywhere you look. Follow along as soybean seeds evolve from pod to plate. Learn about the equipment, technology and science that goes into growing such a versatile crop.
Behind the Bean
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has partnered with Blake Noland and Birddog Workforce Scouting to share career opportunities in agriculture with students in high school, trade school, and community college programs. “Behind the Bean” is a series of videos featuring a diverse group of participants, including individuals from non-ag backgrounds, that will be performing ag-related jobs with little to no experience or training in order to provide an authentic expectation of the role. Watch the series below, or download resources to share with students.
