Maple Syrup
Overall Goal
Students will gain a comprehensive perspective on the production of maple syrup through time. They will see the development of technology used to collect and render sap and learn through experience by interacting with several of those tools.
Grade 6 Curriculum Connections
Social Studies - Heritage and Identity: Communities in Canada, Past and Present
- assess contributions to Canadian identity made by various groups and by various features of Canadian communities and regions
- use the social studies inquiry process to investigate different perspectives on the historical and/or contemporary experiences of two or more distinct communities in Canada
Science and technology - Understanding life systems - Biodiversity
- assess human impacts on biodiversity, and identify ways of preserving biodiversity
- investigate the characteristics of living things, and classify diverse organisms according to specific characteristic
- demonstrate an understanding of biodiversity, its contributions to the stability of natural systems, and it benefits to humans
- Connect to STEM and Big Ideas (Fairness & Equity, Systems, Community, Diversity, Interdependence, Ability to Make a Difference, Equilibrium)
Math - Measurement
Estimate and measure quantities using the metric measurement system (tree diameter).
Program Description
Identify a maple tree by its bark and branches. Learn why a maple tree produces sap and what is so special about maple sap.
Visit the displays to learn about and experience how sap was first rendered by First Nations, what early settlers offered to the process and how modern times affected the production of maple syrup. Inquiry based learning opportunities and systems thinking activities are integrated into the lessons.
Students are integral to tree tapping, making paths along the pipeline, sap collecting. At the end of which, there may be an opportunity to taste maple taffy poured over the snow.
The sugar shack is where SOES maple syrup is produced. If there is enough sap collected, an exciting ‘boil down’ may be in progress during the students visit.
Success Criteria/Learning Goals
1. Students will understand why maple syrup is produced at the beginning of spring.
2. Students will learn why sap from a maple tree is used to make syrup.
3. Students will describe how technology for producing maple syrup changed through time.
4. Students will explain the vital role maple syrup played in Canada's identity and how this story originates.
Pre-Trip Activity
We will send you a pre-trip activity kit with a variety of tools and materials to begin your maple syrup inquiry prior to your visit in Maple Syrup season.
Next Step Environmental Action
Resources
March and April only
Dependant on seasonal conditions