Course code:
Through the lens of maple production, we will explore a variety of chemistry, biology, and climate science topics, including: climate, seasonality, plant physiology, density, (reverse) osmosis, and the chemistry of sugars. The hands-on aspects of these topics will be covered during an intensive two-week period over spring break, which historically overlaps with the maple sap run in this area. Students will learn how to identify maple, birch, butternut and other tree species which produce viable sap for syrup production. Students will tap these trees, collect the sap, and concentrate it by reverse osmosis and by boiling. Students will also learn how to prune fruit trees, and why we do this in the same season. Students will be evaluated based on their participation in the two-week spring-break session, as well as through assignments, papers, and a final project completed during the spring term.
Prerequisites:
Permission of Instructor.
Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.
