Soybean Protein Levels
This video discusses the implications of protein levels in Midwestern soybeans decreasing over time.
Location
Johnston, IA
Possible Guiding, Compelling and/or Anchoring Questions
- Why is the protein level in soybeans decreasing only in the United States?
- How are livestock impacted if they receive less protein in their soybeans?
Classroom Suggestions
Students could:
- Compile and analyze data about the ratios of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in foods.
- Research and compare human nutritional needs to the needs of different livestock.
- Compare the chemical structures of different amino acids, carbohydrates and fats. Model how these compounds interact in the human or animal body.
- Model the energy and matter flows that occur in cellular respiration.
- Research the temperature-protein connection and discuss what it means that we can’t fully explain it yet.
Related Resources
- National Oilseed Processors Association: Soybean Composition: Basics of soybean composition and processing from an industry-run site.
- Soybean Meal Info Center: Composition: Information on composition and manufacturing from an industry-run site.
- Medium: How Does a 1,200-Pound Cow Get Enough Protein?: Article on why cows need protein and how they get it, from a Ph.D. geneticist.
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Protein Sources for the Animal Feed Industry (Executive Summary): Technical background on livestock protein sources.
- Kemin: Amino Acids for Animal Health: Effects of amino acids on animal health (informative but explicitly promotional).
- United Soybean Board: Could Weather Affect Your Soybean Quality?: Weather effects on soybean quality from an industry-run site.
Iowa Core Alignment
HS-LS1-6:Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.
Credit Info
Media produced for Market to Market by Iowa PBS.
Submitted by Dan Voss and Madison Beeler as part of their Iowa STEM Teacher Externship experience at Iowa PBS.