Erica Hitzhusen shares her process of growing soybeans in the classroom with fellow science teachers at SECO 2025
Erica Hitzhusen shares her process of growing soybeans in the classroom with fellow science teachers at SECO 2025.

In their windowless classroom, Erica Hitzhusen’s 8th grade students grow soybeans.

“A lot of my students don’t have any experience with growing anything,” Erica explains.

Students begin by germinating soybeans, to prompt wonder and engagement. From there, Erica builds their schema with Soybeans 101, a GrowNextGen e-learning course. Then the 8th graders plant their soybeans in 1-gallon pots under artificial lights.

Erica’s classroom setup used artificial lights to grow soybeans in her windowless classroom.
Erica’s classroom setup used artificial lights to grow soybeans in her windowless classroom.

That’s when Worthingway Middle School students start asking questions.

“They ask basic questions from, ‘How much water should I water my plant? How long does it take for a soybean to even grow? Why is a soybean hairy?’ And then, ‘What are soybeans used for? Why are they so important?’ All of those questions come out. The more they learn, the more questions that they ask. It becomes really exciting for all of us,” Erica confirms.

While Erica’s students grew flowers and pods on their plants this time, classrooms down the hall didn’t, which prompted more questions.

“We reached out to GrowNextGen. Jane Hunt visited our classroom with Tom Fontana of the Ohio Soybean Council. She took a picture of our soybeans, sent it out to Dr. Lindsay at OSU, who replied quickly, ‘You might need more red light,’” Erica said.

Growing soybeans at school inspired students to ask questions and to consult with actual farmers and professional research scientists, as scientists do.

“I was so enthralled with my students’ engagement, wonder, curiosity, and enthusiasm to grow soybeans in our classroom. I saw the learning as it was happening in real time. I saw the potential for growth and connecting to our community members: OSU, farmers, GrowNextGen’s endless resources.”

8th graders collect data from the soybeans they grew.
8th graders collect data from the soybeans they grew.

Grow scientists in your own classroom by growing soybeans. Start with germinating several varieties of soybeans, then test for root fluorescence, an inherited trait.