Science Fair Resources
Great science fair projects start with SOY!
Soybeans and Ohio agriculture make a great starting point for student-led research and science fair projects. Need help getting started? Find project ideas and other resources to make your project and award-winning one!
Ohio Academy of Science
Regional Science Day
- For grades 5–12
Ohio Academy of Science
State Science Day
- For grades 5–12
Idea starters
Have you ever noticed how many food products contain some form of soybeans? Did you know that soybeans can be used as a fuel supply? Or in crayons, paint, autos, and more? It’s easy to create a project that shows the relevance and importance of soybeans in today’s world and qualifies you for a sponsored award. Read through the questions below for some ideas and click on the resource links to explore more.
Food and nutrition
Questions to consider:
- Why is soybean meal used to feed livestock and fish?
- What advantages does soybean oil have over other oils used in the food industry?
- What soybean by-products are used in the food industry?
- Soy lecithin: what is it and what is it used for?
- How can soybean byproducts be used to improve food nutrition and functionality?
Resources to explore:
- Animal Agriculture Brief from United Soybean Board
- Soybeans as Feed from Missouri Soybean
- Protein plays and essential role in global nutrition
- Global food security challenge from United Soybean Board
- Food Product Innovations Using Soy Ingredients from Journal of Human Nutrition & Food Science
- Soy in Food: What is that doing in there? from GrowNexGen
Environment and genetics
Questions to consider:
- How do soybeans benefit the soil as part of a crop rotation?
- How is soybean production affected by environmental factors such as soil compaction, plant overcrowding, or fertilizers?
- How have soybeans evolved over time? What role have humans played in their genetic modification?
- How can we breed a better soybean to help feed people and animals around the world?
- How can soybean farmers help protect water quality?
Resources to explore:
- Soybean Research from Ohio Soybean Council
- Biodiesel from Clean Fuels Alliance
- Biotechnology from GrowNextGen
- Production Research from United Soybean Board
- GMO Answers from Council for Biotechnology Information
- 4R Nutrient Stewardship from The Fertilizer Institute
- Conservation practices to improve water quality from Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network
Industrial and biobased uses
Questions to consider:
- Why are NASA and the Department of Defense interested in biodiesel? How can soybeans help?
- How can we set up experiments to test soy vs non-soy products in performance and cost?
- How can soybeans replace petroleum-based products: plastics, solvents, cleaners, adhesives, waxes, and inks?
- How do products containing soybeans help the environment and human health compared to products made from petroleum?
Resources to explore:
- Soy New Uses from United Soybean Board
- Soyfoam for firefighting
- Biodiesel from Clean Fuels Alliance
- Student Soybean Product Innovation Competition from Purdue University
- BioPreferred Marketing Program from USDA
- Biobased Activities from OBIC Bioproducts Innovation Center
- Making biodiesel from soybeans unit from GrowNextGen
General information about participating in a science fair
- Contact soybean-related industry, research, and teacher leaders from GrowNextGen
- Student Research Projects from GrowNextGen
- Agricultural technology topics for Science Fair Projects from Science Buddies