Iowa Maple Syrup

This video shows the drilling of a tree, sap flow, and boiling of the sap to condense sugars to create the syrup. The leaves of the maple tree convert sunlight to sugar through the process of photosynthesis.

Video

Des Moines

Iowa Core Standard

HS-LS1-5

Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy

Driving Question

How is maple syrup made by the sun?

Probing Questions

How does a maple tree convert the energy of the sun to syrup?
Where did the calories (energy) in the maple syrup come from?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Visit a local nature center to watch the syrup capturing process.
Create a diagram showing the flow of energy through the system.

Resources

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies | Learn about the science of maple syrup: Goes into the physics and chemistry of syrup production.
Science Borealis | The sappy science of maple syrup: More biological and botanical information about syrup production.
The Botanist in the Kitchen | Maple syrup mechanics: A comprehensive biological overview of sap production.

Contributors

Submitted by Ryan Lensing.