Overview
Key Considerations
Lessons
Learning Outcomes
- How are changing weather patterns affecting the flow of sap?
- What does this mean for maple syrup producers in the Northeast and how can they prepare?
Time Estimate
11 to 15 class periods
Audience
5-8
This module focuses specifically on the impacts of changing weather patterns on the production of maple syrup in Northern New England using region-specific climate data. We recommend pairing this study with units focused on the causes, effects and possible responses to climate change, and other existing curriculum related to maple sugar, including in-class maple syrup production. It can also complement ongoing learning about Maine’s Wabanaki communities. Extensions and pairing ideas are included in the Teacher's Guide.
Lessons are designed with middle school students in mind with opportunities to adapt learning activities for older and younger students.
Lesson 1: From Sap to Syrup
Students taste maple syrup and work together to outline how maple syrup is produced while considering the role of air temperatures in this process.
Lesson Slides | Maple production cards | Maple Syrup Production Diagram Directions | Teacher Guide
Lesson 2: Analyzing Freeze/Thaw Cycles
Students will analyze temperature data from Bangor, Maine, to identify potential sap flow days, consider year to year variability and make recommendations based on their analysis about when to tap trees in Bangor this upcoming year. An optional extension lesson takes this further by analyzing additional data and considering the best dates to tap in other locations.
Lesson Slides | Freeze/Thaw Patterns Analysis Paper - Bangor, ME | Number of Freeze/Thaw Days -Bangor | Teacher Guide
Lesson 3: Sap on the Run! Modeling Maple Sugar Production
Students play a maple sugar production modeling game that demonstrates normal season variability in the production cycle as well as the impacts of climate-driven changes.
Lesson Slide | Maple Sugar Production Modeling Game Notes | 20th Century Game Cards | 21st Century Game Cards | Teacher Guide
Lesson 4: Analyzing Warming Trends
Students analyze and interpret data at stations using dot plots, color-coded maps and video interviews to understand how warming temperatures and shifting ranges impact maple syrup production in the region.
Lesson Slides | Analyzing Warming Trends Handout | Analysis Stations Materials | Teacher Guide
Lesson 5: Planning for Maple Sugaring in a Warmer Future
Students develop a proposal for a new maple syrup production company that can be successful in a warming climate. Students will need to convince investors that their proposal is a good investment using data about anticipated climate-driven changes and incorporating strategies that will help their business thrive.
Lesson Slides | Maple Syrup Business Proposal Planner | Maple Business Planning Resources | Investor Funding Rubric | Teacher Guide