Keith Harris, Soybean Science Challenge coordinator for the Division of Agriculture, said the condensed course was “developed to highlight the importance of soybeans to the Arkansas economy and their role in providing food, fuel and other products globally.
“It is designed to encourage students to use scientific inquiry and discovery to help the Arkansas soybean industry with critical issues in production, such as soil, water, seed, disease and insect problems,” Harris said.
The program, which is co-sponsored by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, offers real-world scientific education supporting soybean production and agricultural sustainability, Harris said.
“The condensed course does this while maintaining the content knowledge needed to conduct in-depth scientific research on soybeans and in agriculture,” he said.
Participants in the Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge are required to complete the online course, which consists of six modules and a final exam, before developing a soybean-related science project to compete in regional science fairs affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair. Winners in regional fairs advance to the Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair, typically held in April.
Harris said that the condensed course currently has 17 students, with the majority of students completing the course just prior to the science fairs held February through April. Nine teachers are enrolled in the curriculum resources and teacher in-service courses.
Once a student completes the course, Harris said, they’re qualified for the competition throughout middle school and high school.
Source : uada.edu