Peoria's Ag Lab was the place for mass production of penicillin in the 1940s. Nearly 70 years later, researchers are still combing through all kinds of agricultural crops coming up with hundreds of new innovations.

But, the lab wants to make sure there's a next generation to keep the discoveries coming. That's why for the first time ever the lab invited about 30 area high school students to perform experiments with researchers. And, the students learned there's nothing simple about science research.

"In research, 90% of what we do doesn't work and we have to figure out why," Ag Lab Researcher Ken Bischoff says.

But making a discovery can make all the difference.

"I really want to make an impact on the world in a positive way. And, many times people talk about doctors or lawyers. This is important too," Peoria Manual Sophomore Grace Figgers says.

Figgers never knew she could accomplish her life goal inside a 3-story brick building in her hometown. The Ag Lab sits at the intersection of Interstate 74 and University Street in Peoria.

"I had no idea. I've been past it a couple times and it says something about agriculture and farming are not too fun," Figgers says.

After spending an entire day performing experiments with researchers, she now knows differently.

"I'm really into environmentalism and they do a lot here to think of alternative methods like fuel and getting rid of pests besides pesticides," Figgers says.

From make-up to medicine to what you munch-on, you can see the Ag Lab is not just for farmers. It develops all kinds of products you can find by just opening your cabinets.

"The future is wide open. You look back at the last 25 years and the discoveries made and the technological advances we made in this country and I can't think of what the future could be. It's outstanding and very exciting," Ag Lab Director Paul Sebesta says.

The Ag Lab hopes to show that excitement by giving hands-on experience to nearly 30 local high schoolers. Tuesday's experiment is to hopefully produce the next generation of chemists and microbiologists.