Tapping the Maple Trees at Hawthorn

Students at The Hawthorn School recently tapped maple trees on the property to learn the science and chemistry behind the maple sugaring process. Nature study students in grades K-8 participated in the process. Students had identified the correct Sugar Maple and Red Maple specimens in the fall through their study of tree taxonomy. On Wednesday, February 15th students placed the taps. First students discussed hypotheses about the color and texture of the sap. Then students measured the trees to determine their suitability for tapping. The oldest students calculated the diameter of the trees from the measured circumference to determine how many taps could be placed in each tree. The group then made a collective decision about where to place the taps in order to prioritize the health of the trees. The middle school boys and girls assisted with drilling and placing the taps. Maple sap immediately began flowing from the taps, and some of the youngest K/1 students keenly observed that insects such as ants quickly flocked to the sweet sap on the tree bark. Students enjoyed tasting the sap, which has a mild sweet flavor originally favored by the native peoples of the region as a refreshing spring drink. After an appropriate amount of sap is collected, the school looks forward to boiling the sap down into maple syrup.