Did you know that Illinois is one of the top-producing soybean states? Take a trip anywhere across Illinois and chances are you’ll see a field of soybeans as 10 million soybean acres are grown each year, covering about ¼ of Illinois.
 

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Exploring 4-H

Exploring 4-H Soybeans
Spark Activity: Topsy-Turvy Soybeans

If you plant a seed upside-down will the roots grow up? Perform an experiment to answer this question.

Supplies: 

  • Paper towel 
  • Permanent marker 
  • Large binder clips 
  • Water 
  • 4 soybeans 
  • 1 clear plastic CD case, petri dish, or equivalent clear plastic container 

Procedure:

  1. Cut the paper towel or blotting paper so it fits inside a small plastic case. 
  2. Moisten the paper towel and lay it in the case. 
  3. Evenly place four soybeans on the paper towel. Orient the soybeans in at least two different directions (note the direction of the bean’s hilum). 
  4. Close the plastic case so that the beans are held snugly. Tape the case shut. 
  5. Using a marker, number the soybeans 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the outside of the case. 
  6. Set the plastic case in an upright position. Attach a binder clip to the bottom to help keep the case upright. 
  7. Keep the paper towel moist. As the seeds begin to sprout, note the direction in which the roots and stems are growing. Does the direction the seed is turned affect the direction of growth? 
  8. Two days after the seeds have begun to grow, rotate the plastic 90° on its side. Continue rotating the case every two days. Did rotating the case affect the growth? 
4-H Project Levels and Goals
Beginner
  • Plant soybeans, monitor growth
  • Compare seed growth using different soils
  • Identify what helps and hinders plant growth
  • Investigate how a soybean plant fixes its own nitrogen
  • Investigate how a soy plant knows how/when to start flowering
  • Track plant development and growth through V and R stages
Intermediate
  • Learn how to take a soil sample 
  • Scout fields for growing conditions 
  • Identify products made from soybeans 
  • Learn about soil and nutrient requirements for your crop
  • Study different ways to protect your plants from pests through Integrative Pest Management
Advanced
  • Use integrated crop management principles with your crop
  • Explore career opportunities related to soybean production
  • Calculate expenses and incomes to determine the profitability of field crops
  • Identify how new technology impacts crop production
Put Your Project Into Action

Show Your Skills

  • Exhibit a potted soybean plant with parts labeled
  • Display of different insects and/or weeds that affect a soybean plant’s growth
  • Display showing parts of the soybean seed
  • Display foods & products made with soybeans

Service and Leadership

  • Plan a farmer appreciation event during harvest season
  • Teach members of your 4-H or FFA club about farm safety
  • Plan a soybean seed plant or grain elevator tour
  • Write an article for your local newspaper about the importance of soybeans
  • Present to an elementary school classroom about the importance of soybeans
  • Help to organize a crops judging contest

Entrepreneurship

  • Plant a soybean plot comparing varieties - include a budget to track costs and market opportunities
  • Make and sell fish food from soy meal
  • Create and sell soy candles from soy wax
  • Sell baked goods made from soy products such as soy oil, soy flour, soy milk, etc. - follow IL Public Health guidelines as applicable

Technology Connection

  • Drones survey diseases, flooding, drainage issues
  • GPS technology/precision farming techniques

Connecting with a Mentor

  • Illinois Extension Ag Educators and Specialists
  • Local farmers
  • Local farmer cooperatives
  • Local agronomist
  • Local seed representative

Events

  • Crops judging contests
  • County and state fairs and shows
  • University of Illinois Commercial Agriculture programs
  • Farm Progress Show

Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements

  • Soybeans

Purchase manuals on the Shop Illinois 4-H Store. 

View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.

Careers
woman in field holding tablet
  • Plant Breeder
  • Farmer
  • Researcher
  • Grain Merchandiser
  • Agronomist
  • Soy Product Entrepreneur
  • Extension Educator
  • Crop Consultant
Start a Conversation
  • How can soybeans be grown in less than ideal conditions?
  • How is biotechnology helping farmers grow more soybeans to help meet the increasing demand for US soy?
  • What are the two major components of soybeans and what are they used for?
  • How does using biodiesel (made from soybeans) help the environment?
  • How are soybeans used in the construction industry?
  • What nutrients are in soybeans that make them beneficial as a food ingredient?
Credits

Illinois Soybean Association

Illinois Soybean Advisor

Ag in the Classroom Soybean

4-H Spark Sheets are a collaborative effort of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni and teens from across Illinois. A big thanks to the many contributors and reviewers!

Resources
Illinois Soybean Association
Ag in the Classroom
Crops and Soils Record Form