Maple sugaring (making maple syrup) at home offers many learning opportunities. Here are my favorite …
1. SCIENCE – Learn about the different types of trees. Explore the concept of evaporation. Use a thermometer and learn about temperatures and boiling points.
2. HISTORY – Native American Indians taught early settlers about maple syrup production. In early America, processed maple sap was a main source of concentrated sugar, in both liquid and solid form.
3. MATH – On average, it takes 10 gallons of sap to make 1 quart of syrup. That is a 40-1 ratio. This will vary depending upon the sugar content of your sap.
4. COOKING – Maple syrup is not just for pancakes. It can be used in many recipes and can even be substituted for sugar.
5. PHOTOGRAPHY – A bucket hanging from your maple tree with the snow covered ground makes for a great picture.
Happy Tapping!
