Solving for Syrup: Sixth-Graders Apply Math Skills to Create a Serious Stack of Pancakes
The sixth-grade team's unit on ratios and proportions under the lens of maple sugaring is a great example of teachers working together across disciplines to show real-life applications of learned skills. By combining math, science, and social studies the students were able to understand the entire process of maple sugaring, from the tapping of maple trees to the production of delicious pancakes with real maple syrup.
The interdisciplinary approach adopted by the educators enabled students to engage actively with the subject matter in an exciting and interactive way. They read articles related to the process of maple sugaring and learned about the impact of global warming on the maple syrup industry, which helped them understand the significance of sustainability and environmental responsibility. In addition, they had the opportunity to visit the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, where they learned about how the process has evolved over time and witnessed how indigenous people used to evaporate water from the sap. The students were amazed by the evaporation process, with Nico Barnes commenting that he "thinks it's crazy that 40 gallons of sap is one gallon of maple syrup!"
But perhaps the most exciting part of the unit was in Jocelyn Fontana’s Home and Career class, where they made their own pancakes complete with real maple syrup and homemade butter.
Alessio DiSisto summed up the lesson nicely when he said, “The pancake and butter making was really fun because we were able to eat our creations and learn in a fun way.”
Overall, this unit is a great example of how teachers can work together to create a meaningful and engaging learning experience for their students. By incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities, students are able to see the practical applications of what they're learning and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.