for Educators

Maple Sugaring

Grades K-5 | From the Haudenosaunee to the American pioneers, and on to modern day methods, the time-honored tradition of making maple syrup blends both history and ecology.

  • Cumming Nature Center
  • Cumming Nature Center Experiences
  • Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
  • Earth Systems, Social Studies, Life Science

From the Haudenosaunee to the American pioneers, and on to modern day methods, the time-honored tradition of making maple syrup blends both history and ecology.

Learn how maple syrup, first made in this area by the Haudenosaunee, is produced. Discover how trees grow, and the role of photosynthesis.

Every spring for the last 39 years, the RMSC’s Cumming Nature Center in Naples, NY, explores this timeless craft. Our Maple Syrup program bridges cultures and people by exploring the different techniques involved in the production of this delicious staple.

Students will participate in an experience differentiated by grade level featuring hands-on activities that investigate the modern procedures for maple syrup production like tapping trees, collecting sap, and evaporating the sap for syrup.

Your Cumming Nature Center Visit will include:

  • Trailside experience exploring the ins and outs of maple syrup production
  • Investigation of both Native American and Pioneer “sugaring” technology
  • Demonstrations of modern-day syrup making in our sugarhouse
  • Pure Maple Syrup on ice cream served after lunch (additional $1/person)
  • Theater Presentation of the movie “Cornell Maple Producers: Maple Production for the beginner” (Optional / Approx. 30 min.)

Connects with-
New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) & Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

  • 2-LS2-1 Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.
  • 4-LS1-1 Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
  • 5-PS3-1 Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the Sun.

NYS K-12 Social Studies Framework Standards

  • 4.2a Geographic factors often influenced locations of early settlements. People made use of the resources and the lands around them to meet their basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter.

How To Book

Need More Information?

  • Contact: Lann Dolen, Public and School Programs Coordinator
  • Phone: 585.374.6160, ext. 110
  • Email: ad****@**sc.org

When Is It?

  • Note: Available approx. late Feb-early Apr
  • Program Length: Up to 3.5 hours
  • Earliest Start Time: 8:30am

Who Should Attend?

  • Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
  • Minimum Attendance: 12
  • Maximum Attendance: 72

How Much Does It Cost?

  • $10 per person ($11 with a maple syrup & ice cream treat), 1 free adult with every 5 students; $6 per additional adult; RMSC Member Adults free