Education Standards
Nebraska Soybean Board - Seed Composition
Student Observation Sheet
Teacher Key
Lip Balm Wonders with Soybeans
Overview
What are the potential uses of soybeans after they have been processed? In this lesson, students will learn about the composition of an average soybean seed and then use soy wax flakes to make their own lip balm.
Overview
Essential Question
- What products can be manufactured using soybeans?
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to examine the nutritional composition of a soybean seed.
- Students will be able to explain the process of making lip balm using soy wax.
- Students will be able to identify products that use soybean-derived ingredients.
Career Connections
- Cosmetic Chemist
- Product Development Specialist
- Quality Assurance Specialist
Equipment and Materials
Equipment
- Wax Melting Pot
- Stirring Utensil
- Large Syringe
- Electronic Balance
- Weigh Boat
- Lip Balm Tubes
Consumable Materials (per class)
- Soy Wax Flakes (4 oz)
- Shea Butter (2 oz)
- Coconut Oil (2 oz)
- Essential Oil (15-20 drops)
*This recipe yields approximately 55 full 0.15oz lip balm tubes.
Per Student
- Pen/Pencil
- Lab Notebook
Lesson Plan
Background Information
Soybeans (Glycine max) have historically been grown as food for millions of people and as an ingredient for livestock feed. Their seeds are primarily composed of protein (34%), oil (19%), and insoluble carbohydrates (21%) - when processed, a 60-pound bushel of soybeans will yield about eleven pounds of crude soybean oil and 47 pounds of soybean meal.
Through many years of research and product development, there have been many industrial and food use products developed that use soybeans or soybean byproducts as their main ingredient.
Interest Approach
Introduce the lesson by passing around a jar of soybean seeds and use a KWL Chart to have students list what molecules they think comprise the seed. Have students visit the Nebraska Soybean Board website to learn more about the composition of a soybean seed and use that information to complete Figure 1 of the 'Student Observation Sheet.' Review each component with students once finished filling out the graphic.
Facilitate a discussion about the versatility of soybeans and how one plant can contribute to various industries, including personal care products. Highlight how the oil extracted from soybeans can be a key ingredient in making lip balm.
Procedure
- Measure out 4oz of soy wax flakes using an electronic balance and weigh boat, and then add directly to the wax melting pot - set at a low to medium heat setting.
- Review the function of the wax flakes and record information in Table 1.
- Measure out 2oz each of shea butter and coconut oil using an electronic balance and weigh boat while waiting for the soy wax flakes to finish melting.
- Review the function of the shea butter and coconut oil and record information in Table 1.
- Once the soy wax has completely melted, add the shea butter and coconut oil into the wax melting pot and gently stir together until the mixture is fully homogenous.
- Add an essential oil of your choice to change the flavor of the finished product.
- Adjust the amount of essential oil based on your preference.
- Use a large syringe to draw the liquid out of the melting pot and carefully dispense into each lip balm tube. Leave a small gap at the top to allow for expansion of the lip balm as it cools.
- Allow the lip balm to set at room temperature for approximately 10-12 hours or until completely solid.
Conclusion/Check for Understanding
After all lip balm containers have been filled and placed in a secure location to cool, bring the class back together and facilitate the completion of the KWL Chart. Students should have learned that soybeans are composed of different macromolecules that can be used in a variety of applications once they have been processed, including using the oil to make lip balm.
Extension Activity
Students visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Website to learn more about the labeling requirements for cosmetics and then develop their own product label for their lip balm.