A new partnership between the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Terre Haute Children’s Museum will give Hoosier youth the opportunity to learn more about the versatility of soybeans as part of the museum’s “Agciting” exhibit.
“We want consumers to get excited about the unlimited potential for soybeans and partnering with the Terre Haute Children’s Museum is a perfect opportunity to share our story not only with the children who visit the museum, but also with their parents,” said Kevin Wilson, ISA president and farmer from Walton, Ind.
As part of the “Agciting” exhibit, four large soybean displays focus on the many uses of soybeans, as well as how soybeans are a major part of the safe, affordable food supply that consumers see on their grocery shelves every day.
“Through our partnership with the Indiana Soybean Alliance, we hope to specifically teach our guests about soybeans: the nutritional value and health benefits, how soybeans impact the things that we eat, and how soy is the main protein feed for livestock,” said Lynn Hughes, executive director of the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. “There are thousands of uses for soybeans that most people would never dream of, and, in fact, Indiana soybean farmers are leaders in identifying and commercializing innovative new uses of soybeans. We think that’s an exciting and important message to share with our guests, and we’re thankful to the Indiana Soybean Alliance for giving us the opportunity to do so.”
Activities for the young museum visitors include a Soy Match game, as well as an interactive computer display. Children will learn how soybeans are used as a source of protein in animal feed, an ingredient in the products they use every day and even Hoosier ingenuity – like the development of the soy crayon and soy candle right here in Indiana.
“Not only is soybean production a vital part of Indiana agriculture, but consumers including children, use soybeans daily and may not even realize it,” said Wilson. “Soybeans are everywhere, from the food they eat to the toothpaste they use to brush their teeth, and from the paint on their walls to the crayons they use to color. The potential of the soybean is limitless – and that’s an exciting thing for kids to learn during a trip to a museum that features fun, interactive exhibits that capture their attention.”
The “Agciting” exhibit is designed to allow children to “follow their food” from the farm field to the end product. The exhibit teaches children about the diversity of agriculture science and how agriculture and farming impact nearly every aspect of their lives.
“Ninety-eight percent of Americans no longer live on farms today, so, for most consumers, the agricultural system is invisible. We buy our food and clothes with little knowledge or concern about where these items come from or how they were produced,” said Hughes. “We want to educate children and adults about food and agriculture production, as well as the science and technology involved. We feel that this education is vital to developing the agricultural literacy that is fundamental to the next generation of scientists, teachers, and leaders to ensure an adequate and equitably distributed world food supply.”
In addition to the soybean displays, the children’s museum will be hosting a number of workshops throughout the year where children (and their parents) can come learn more about soybeans.
The soybean displays made their debut on January 23 and will continue for the duration of the “Agciting” exhibit. The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is open Tues.-Thurs. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri, Sat. 10 a.m.-5p.m., and Sun. 12-5p.m. Admission is $7 per person. Additional information can be found at www.thchildrensmuseum.com.
For more information about Indiana Soybean Alliance, visit www.indianasoybean.com.
Source: Indiana Soybean Alliance
