Curriculum

What is genetic modification? How does it dffer from selective breeding? A lot of questions surround definitions of genetic modification. This unit models two different techniques of genetic modification and tries to help students understand the terms and the consequences…

What is the variability in pH of soils across a field? Soil tests show the pH and nutrient amounts in a field. Soil chemistry determines the amount of root growth, the amount of nutrients that can be held in the soil, and the ability of plants to take in…

How do farmers reduce competition for their crops? What weeds are resistant to herbicides? How does the mechanism of resistance work? Weeds present problems in farm fields—they rob sunlight, nutrients, and water from the crops. What can farmers do? Herbicides are one answer, but they may not do enough as some weeds have developed…

Did you know that about 50% of the soybeans harvested in Ohio are exported? How do soybeans get from farmers to their destination? Students act as logistics decision makers, choosing routes and attempting to make the most profit in this game of moving soybeans from origination to destination.

What is a bioproduct? What are their uses? Allow students to become innovators and engineers by making and testing products made from soy-based materials.

How might we make and use renewable fuel? Make and test biodiesel from different sources while investigating bioenergy and how it is produced.

How is science in everything we eat? What is your favorite food? Chances are a soybean product is being used to process it or, if it’s a meat dish, was used to feed the animal. Other living things (microbes) help to make our food, too.…

Why do we engage in trade with other countries? What are the ways in which this trading occurs? Trade in agricultural products is big business. In Ohio nearly 50% of soybeans are exported. In this unt, students learn about the customers for Ohio’s ag products and how these goods are…

What can we learn by investigating honey? Using biotech skills, students will determine potential locations where pollen was collected and test the qualities and characteristics of a honey sample, including the sugar content and pH.

How can we identify pathogens that are causing honey bee deaths? You may have heard about Colony Collapse Disorder, a syndrome likely caused by multiple factors that results in the deaths of many honeybee colonies. Become a diagnostic researcher and use…

How might water quality be improved? The H2Know case study invites students to investigate water quality in Lake Erie. Students will gather information about the problem, consider potential contributors and environmental factors, review…

What do you know about pigs? Pigs are one of the largest consumers of soybeans! In this unit, students explore the habitat, growth, and feed of pigs.