Can anyone GUESS or TELL ME what is going on in the picture above??? What is that funny thing hanging from the tree? Is it a bird house?

I’ll give you another hint…..

That first picture show maple tree sap being collected. This sap will be used to make maple syrup!!!! The next two are identification pictures of a sugar maple. The last picture shows an old fashion sap tap and a sap bucket!

In science we have studied the tree leaves. This past Fall we went outside and identified trees by their leaves.

Does anyone remember if we found any sugar maple trees or their leaves?

What did the leaf look like? Draw a picture on your worksheet of what you remember the maple leaf looking like.

This project will help prepare us for next week’s science project. We will tap 2 of the sugar maple trees that we marked in the fall!! Then we will attempt to make our own maple syrup!!! It is VERY important that we understand as a group the process of tapping the tree, collecting the sap and making the syrup.

Teacher note: “ Students will group in 4’s and sit at one computer per group. Assign the link for each group to look up. Students will need a pen and a copy of the worksheet that has the written directions that match this page. Each group will be assigned a section to look up and present to the class at the end.. One student in each group will be provided with an overhead transparency for the presentation.”

**Task 1:

Each group of 4 is to work collectively on one computer. Click on the information link assigned to your group.

Once on the linked page: read for content and write down the important facts. Use the worksheet for guidance on what facts you MUST have. ** Look for as many details as possible. You will be my experts on your topic and will be sharing it with the rest of the class.**

Group 1:

Click on the link below and write down the important facts you find out about tapping the trees.

Maple tapping

Group 2:

Click on the link below and write down the important facts you find out about how sap is collected.

Sap Collecting

Group 3:

Click on the link below and write down the important facts you find about how sap is made into syrup

Sap to Syrup

**Task 2:

As a group designate one student to write on the transparency the information they would like to share with the rest of the class.

**Task 3:

Students will share with the rest of the class their findings.

Teachers Note: If any group finishes early they are welcome to click into other group’s information.

Carolyn Buzanoski

LS 521 submission Web drop 2

4^th grade level