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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
MS-LS1-6
+ 18 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.