Trip Entry: Maple Sugar

Trees are very important to us and have many uses. Trees provide oxygen for us to breath. Trees are also natural resources that are used for many thinks like lumber, heat sources, and paper. Some trees are a source of  food as well. One of the sweetest things that comes from trees is maple syrup.  There are several types of maple trees but the best syrup comes from the sugar maple tree. The legend about how maple syrup was discovered was that a Native American chief hit his tomahawk into a tree and water came out. His wife took the water home to boil food in it thinking it was plain water. It was not! It was maple syrup water. Today maple syrup is a wonderful, flavorful natural resource. A tree should be at least 50 years old before you can tap it for sugar water. There are only a few months out of the year when maple syrup can be tapped from the trees.  A hole is put into the tree and a tap is then slid into the maple tree with a bucket underneath to catch the sugar water.  Once the sugar water is collected it can be made into several things.  It can be boiled to make syrup. Spotza can also a be made by swirling the syrup in cold water, which makes a taffy.  After mixing up the syrup for a time, maple sugar can also be made.  The darker the syrup is, the better the flavor of the syrup.  (Content)

Make stirred sugar following the directions from the Somerset Historical Society. As the syrup begins to boil, have students tell what they observe is happening to the liquid. (DOK 1) (CC.8.5.6-8.G) Boil the syrup until it reaches 245 degrees. Have students observe the thermometer as the temperature of the syrup rises.  What is the cause/effect the hot syrup has on the thermometer? (DOK 2) (CC.1.5.2.A) Pour the remaining syrup into a bowl and begin stirring. Sugar crystals should begin to form as it cools. Have students compare the appearance of the syrup from a liquid to granulated sugar. (DOK 3) (CC.8.6.6-8.F) Students will then create "recipes" for which they could use their maple sugar and share them with the class. (DOK 4) (Creative Idea)

Domains: 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b