Weare Middle School 5th grade students recently made maple syrup in long-term substitute teacher David Erikson’s class. Designed to enrich their understanding of science and social studies, the students learned how trees make sugar and how Native Americans and early colonists used maple trees for the same purpose. 

To begin, the 5th graders first needed to find a maple tree. Students selected a tree they pass daily walking to the winter playground. As the tree sits on town property, they needed permission to tap the tree and discovered they needed to ask the Weare Board of Selectmen.  Fifth grader Jaiden Colburn volunteered to make the class’s request, and attended the next Board of Selectmen meeting. The request was granted.

After collecting sap over several days, some was boiled on a hot plate in the classroom and the rest on Mr. Erikson’s wood cookstove at home. The result? Enough syrup for a very successful pancake and waffle breakfast enjoyed by students on the last day before winter vacation.

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