The Soy Chemistry Curriculum aims to help instructors teach core chemistry concepts, green chemistry principles, and sustainable development by using the history, cultivation, processing, and applications of soybeans as a contextual foundation. Centered on soy as a renewable feedstock, the curriculum explores its potential to replace petroleum-based technologies through the lens of green chemistry.
Designed with educators in mind, the curriculum follows a backward design framework that prioritizes clear learning outcomes and real-world relevance. It includes lecture modules, hands-on lab experiments, and case studies focused on soy-derived products such as adhesives, solvents, and surfactants. Each unit aligns with core chemistry topics and the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry, while also integrating systems thinking, life cycle analysis, and technical and economic considerations.
Instructor resources include presentation slides, notes, assessment questions, and classroom-ready activities. The curriculum is organized into three modules, each containing an overview, specific learning outcomes, course alignment, slides, instructor notes, assessment items, student prompts, and a list of references. Assessment questions can be used on quizzes or exams, and activity prompts are suitable for group work or homework.
This curriculum was authored by Jane Wissinger (Ph.D.), Michael Wentzel (Ph.D.), Julian Silverman (Ph.D.), Kris Weigal (M.S.), Rick Heggs (Ph.D.), Dwight Rust, Mitchel Munzing, Amy Cannon (Ph.D.), and Monica Soma Hensley (Ph.D.), with support from the United Soybean Board.
Check out this webinar to learn more about soy research, innovation and the curriculum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydB7GeSd_T4
Any opinions, findings, and/or interpretations of data contained herein are the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policies of United Soybean Board, or Beyond Benign.
