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Summary and Objective
The children will learn that maple sugaring has been a process experienced by the people of the Northeast for centuries. They will understand that the gathering and processing of sap has remained similar to the past. The tools and equipment used to accomplish this have changed somewhat. They will also learn the importance of this product to people in the past, and its various uses today.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
The students will closely examine the picture entitled "Sap Gatherers" and make predictions about what is happening from their observations.
Step 2.
The picture of the wooden sap bucket, the sugar molds, and the maple syrup container from the collection are shown to the children. A discussion should follow on their usage and how these items may be different today.
Step 3.
The teacher should read Sugaring by Jessie Haas to the children and follow up by making a sequence chart of the maple sugaring process.
Step 4.
The children will brainstorm the various ways the syrup is used today. This information will be shared and the following question asked: "If you lived in the 1700's would you have the same uses for the sap?" A discussion should follow (for background information, you can read the "Maple History" article at the link below).
Step 5.
A classroom mural will be made in small groups that depicts the maple sugaring process. Each group will have a particular part of the process to draw and create.
Step 6.
Post-activity: If possible, students will enjoy maple candy, then write a sensory poem describing what they ate.
Step 7.
Post-activity: The class could visit a local sugarhouse if one is nearby, to experience the gathering and processing of maple sugar firsthand; or the class could do a "virtual" visit using the "Diary" link below.
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