Biology Bonanza: Unveiling Syrup's Sweet Science

Middle School, High School Grades Project 4 weeks

Biology Bonanza: Unveiling Syrup's Sweet Science

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LS.2.A

LS.2.B

MS-LS1-1

MS-LS1-2

+ 55 more

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Purpose

This project immerses students in an interdisciplinary exploration of maple syrup production, with a deep focus on biology, plant structure, and ecology. Through hands-on experiences, students will tap maple trees, study plant anatomy, and observe ecological interactions, engaging in the transformation of sap to syrup. The project aligns with NGSS standards and fosters understanding of ecosystems, energy cycles, and resource management, while enhancing students' research, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Learning goals

Students will delve into the biology and ecology of maple trees, focusing on plant structure, photosynthesis, and the role of ecosystems in sap production. They will create mathematical models to analyze the sap-to-syrup conversion process and utilize literacy skills to articulate scientific and ecological concepts. Through experiential learning and community collaboration, students will explore the interdependent relationships within forest ecosystems, enhancing their understanding of natural resource dynamics. The project encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary synthesis, allowing students to connect biological principles with real-world applications.

Standards

LS.2.A - Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS.2.B - Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
LS.2.B - Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
MS-LS1-1 - Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
MS-LS1-2 - Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
MS-LS1-6 - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
MS-LS1-7 - Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
ESS.3.A - Natural Resources
HS-LS1-2 - Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
HS-LS1-5 - Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
HS-LS1-6 - Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.
HS-LS1-7 - Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.4 - Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.9 - Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
LS.2.A - Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS.2.B - Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
MS-LS1-1 - Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
MS-LS1-2 - Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
MS-LS1-6 - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
MS-LS1-7 - Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
ESS.3.A - Natural Resources
HS-LS1-2 - Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
HS-LS1-5 - Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
HS-LS1-6 - Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.
HS-LS1-7 - Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.4 - Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.9 - Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP4 - Model with mathematics.
CCSS.Math.Content.8.EE.B.5 - Graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Compare two different proportional relationships represented in different ways.
CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-CED.A.4 - Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations.
LS.2.A - Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
MS-LS1-1 - Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
MS-LS1-2 - Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
MS-LS1-6 - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
MS-LS1-7 - Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
ESS.3.A - Natural Resources
HS-LS1-2 - Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
HS-LS1-5 - Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
HS-LS1-6 - Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.
HS-LS1-7 - Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.4 - Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.9 - Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP4 - Model with mathematics.
CCSS.Math.Content.8.EE.B.5 - Graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Compare two different proportional relationships represented in different ways.
CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-CED.A.4 - Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations.
D2.Eco.4.6-8 - Describe the role of competition in the determination of prices and wages in a market economy.

Competencies

Original Thinkers for an Uncertain World - Synthesis - Making connections (OT.Crit.3.a)

Products

Students will collaboratively create a vibrant mural depicting the transformation of sap to syrup, with a deep focus on the biological processes, plant structure, and ecosystem dynamics, to be displayed at the Maple Magic Festival. They will also design a life-sized, interactive model of a maple tree, complete with a functioning tap and sap flow demonstration, for the Sap to Syrup Showcase. Additionally, students will produce a short documentary film capturing the entire project journey, including community partner interviews and personal reflections, to premiere at the festival. Lastly, they will compile a collection of illustrated storybooks that creatively narrate the maple syrup process, integrating scientific concepts, to be featured at the Syrup Science Fair.

Launch

Organize an Ecosystem Expedition by taking students on a nature walk in a nearby forest, led by an environmental educator. During the walk, students will observe and document various plant and animal species, focusing on their roles in the forest ecosystem and their connection to maple syrup production. This experience will deepen their understanding of biology, plant structure, and ecology, while laying the groundwork for exploring the interdependent relationships within ecosystems.

Exhibition

Host a Maple Magic Festival where students showcase their learning with a focus on biology, plant structure, and ecology through interactive stations, including live sap boiling demonstrations and storytelling about the maple syrup process. Organize a Syrup Science Fair where students present detailed models of forest ecosystems, emphasizing the biological and ecological aspects, and display math graphs related to sap-to-syrup conversion, inviting parents and local experts to engage with their work. Create a Sap to Syrup Showcase with guided tours by students, featuring hands-on demonstrations of tree tapping, sap collection, and syrup cooking, culminating in a Q&A session with community partners and guests.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Maple Tree Adventure Field Trip: Visit a local maple syrup farm for a guided tour and hands-on tree tapping activity. Students will learn about the history and science of maple syrup production.	Sap Science Exploration Workshop: In small groups, students create models of maple trees, exploring photosynthesis and the role of ecosystems in sap production.	Nature Walk and Observation: Led by an environmental educator, students will observe and document plant and animal species in a nearby forest, discussing their roles in the ecosystem and relation to maple syrup production.	Math and Maple Day: Students engage in activities to measure and graph sap quantities, calculate ratios for syrup production, and solve real-world math problems related to the project.	Reflection Circle: Students participate in a reflection circle to share experiences, challenges, and successes from the week, fostering a supportive learning community.
Deliverables	1. Reflection Journal Entry: Students document their observations and learning from the field trip and workshops, focusing on academic insights and personal growth. 2. Maple Tree Model: Each group submits a model representing a maple tree, including labeled parts and a basic explanation of photosynthesis and sap production.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the local maple syrup farm for the field trip, including transportation and safety measures. 2. Prepare materials for the Sap Science Exploration Workshop, including craft supplies for model building. 3. Arrange for an environmental educator to lead the nature walk and provide necessary permissions for the outdoor activity. 4. Develop math activities and gather tools needed for measuring and graphing during Math and Maple Day. 5. Create a structure for the reflection circle, including prompts to guide student sharing and discussion.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Ecosystem Model Construction: Students collaborate to design and build a physical model of a forest ecosystem, showcasing interdependent relationships and energy transfer processes.	Photosynthesis Investigation: Conduct experiments to observe photosynthesis, using plant samples and sensors to measure changes in light and carbon dioxide levels, followed by group analysis.	Sap Collection and Data Logging: Students engage in sap collection from tapped trees, meticulously recording data on sap flow rates, volume collected, and environmental conditions.	Mathematical Modeling Session: Utilize the collected sap data to create graphs and models showing proportional relationships, and explore real-world applications of these mathematical concepts.	Creative Literacy Workshop: Develop narrative essays or stories that integrate scientific concepts related to maple syrup production, focusing on using technical vocabulary and expressive language.
Deliverables	1. Collaborative Forest Ecosystem Model: A detailed model demonstrating interdependent relationships and energy cycles, with a presentation explaining key ecological concepts. 2. Photosynthesis Experiment Report: A comprehensive report presenting the experiment's findings, including data analysis and conclusions drawn from the observed photosynthesis process. 3. Sap Data Analysis Graphs: Students submit graphs and mathematical models based on sap data, interpreting the results and relating them to syrup production.
Preparation	1. Gather materials and resources for ecosystem model construction, including plant samples, sensors, and craft supplies. 2. Prepare instructions and equipment for the photosynthesis investigation, ensuring availability of necessary sensors and data logging tools. 3. Coordinate with community partners for ongoing access to tapped trees and ensure equipment is ready for sap collection activities. 4. Develop mathematical modeling activities, providing graph paper, software, or online tools for data analysis and visualization. 5. Organize materials and prompts for the creative literacy workshop, focusing on integrating scientific concepts and narrative writing.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Syrup Production Workshop: Students participate in a hands-on workshop to boil the collected sap into syrup, applying both scientific and mathematical concepts learned.	Energy Transfer Simulation: Engage students in a simulation game to understand energy cycles in ecosystems, focusing on how energy flows from the sun through maple trees to syrup production.	Scientific Explanation Drafting: Students draft scientific explanations detailing the transformation of sap to syrup, using evidence gathered from their experiments and observations.	Mathematical Analysis of Syrup Yield: Analyze the efficiency of syrup production by comparing the volume of sap collected to the syrup produced, using mathematical calculations to determine ratios and percentages.	Peer Review and Critique: Conduct a peer review session where students share their scientific explanations and mathematical analyses, receiving constructive feedback to refine their work.
Deliverables	1. Maple Syrup Production Report: A detailed report documenting the syrup production process, including scientific explanations and mathematical analyses. 2. Energy Transfer Simulation Reflection: A reflective piece where students describe their insights and learning from the energy transfer simulation, connecting it to maple syrup production.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the local chef or culinary school for the syrup production workshop, ensuring all necessary equipment and safety measures are in place. 2. Prepare materials and instructions for the energy transfer simulation, including any digital tools or resources needed. 3. Develop guidelines and templates for drafting scientific explanations, focusing on clarity and use of evidence. 4. Organize materials and resources for the mathematical analysis session, ensuring students have access to calculators and graphing tools. 5. Create a structure for the peer review session, including criteria for feedback and prompts to guide student discussions.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Model and Mural Assembly: Collaborate to complete and assemble the life-sized maple tree model and mural depicting the sap-to-syrup journey, ensuring all scientific and artistic elements are included.	Documentary Film Production: Work in groups to finalize the short documentary film capturing the entire project journey, including interviews, reflections, and the syrup production process.	Storybook Compilation: Complete and compile the illustrated storybooks narrating the maple syrup process, ensuring the integration of scientific concepts and literacy skills.	Exhibition Preparation: Organize and set up interactive stations for the Maple Magic Festival, including live demonstrations, storytelling sessions, and tasting booths.	Final Reflection and Peer Review: Engage in a reflection circle to share insights from the project and participate in a peer review of the documentary and storybooks, providing feedback for final revisions.
Deliverables	1. Completed Maple Tree Model and Mural: A collaborative visual and interactive display for the exhibition. 2. Final Documentary Film: A short film showcasing the project journey, to be presented at the Maple Magic Festival. 3. Illustrated Storybooks: A collection of student-written storybooks explaining the maple syrup process, to be showcased at the Syrup Science Fair.
Preparation	1. Ensure all materials and tools for the final assembly of the model and mural are available and organized. 2. Set up editing stations and provide resources for the documentary film production, including access to video editing software. 3. Provide guidance and resources for the completion and compilation of illustrated storybooks. 4. Coordinate logistics for the Maple Magic Festival, including arranging space, scheduling, and confirming participation of community partners. 5. Prepare prompts and structure for the final reflection circle and peer review session, ensuring constructive feedback is facilitated.