After the Fire: PFAS, Systems, and Soy Foam

PFAS chemicals are an emerging concern in the Great Lakes and beyond, with implications for cellular processes, food webs, and human health.

In this live online event, you’ll examine PFAS from multiple science lenses and learn about soy-based firefighting foam, a biodegradable alternative with no fluorine chemicals currently being distributed to firefighters.

You’ll hear directly from scientists and industry professionals, including Mark Warman of Ohio Sea Grant, then shift to classroom-ready ideas your students can investigate.

Live Q&A included. A recording will be provided to all registrants.

By the end of this session, you’ll be able to:

• Know how soy-based firefighting foam works and where it’s being used
• Understand the current state of PFAS chemicals and ongoing research into their environmental effects
• Be able to translate this issue into student investigations and classroom discussions

Standards & Curriculum Connections

Cellular processes

• Bioaccumulation and food webs
• Chemistry of fluorine–carbon compounds
• Environmental systems and human health

GrowNextGen connects students to real-world science and careers in modern agriculture through free, classroom-ready STEM resources, offered generously by the Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio soybean farmers.