Time: 45–60 minutes
Big Idea: Learn how corn and soybeans grow, how they are harvested, and why they are important crops for people and animals.
What You’ll Need:
- A few kernels of popcorn or dried corn (or canned corn if easier)
- A handful of soybeans (or an item made from soy, like soy milk or edamame)
- A large spoon
- Paper and crayons/markers
- A small toy tractor or truck (optional, for play-pretend)
Part 1. Look and Learn
Do This: Show your child the corn kernels and soybeans. Let them hold them in their hands.
Ask:
- What color are they?
- Are they smooth or bumpy?
- Do they feel the same or different?
- What do you think they can be used for?
Part 2. From Seed to Harvest
Do This: Explain that farmers plant corn and soybean seeds in the spring. The plants grow all summer long. In the fall, farmers harvest them with big machines called combines.
Activity: Draw a field with corn and soybeans growing. Then, draw a combine harvesting the plants.
Part 3. Corn and Soybean Uses
Steps: Show your child the items you brought (popcorn, soy milk, or edamame).
Explain: Corn can be used for food (like corn on the cob or popcorn), animal feed, and even fuel. Soybeans can be eaten (like soy milk or tofu) or turned into products like crayons and biodiesel.
Ask:
- Which foods do you like best—corn or soybeans?
- Can you think of other things made from these crops?
Part 4. If I Were a Farmer…
Ask:
- Would you rather grow corn or soybeans?
- How would you take care of your fields?
- What kind of tractor or tools would you want?
Activity: Have your child draw themselves as a farmer on a tractor harvesting either corn or soybeans.
Part 5. Wrap-Up Discussion
- When are corn and soybeans harvested?
- Why are these crops important?
- What was your favorite part of the lesson?
