Kindergartners and first-graders at Deasy learned about maple syrup and where it comes from when they participated in the Science Museum of Long Island’s Maple Sugaring program at their school.

Led by science museum instructor Caetlin Orellana, the program educated students about the importance of trees and the things they provide to people, including food, supplies and oxygen. After the discussion, the students traveled outside to the school’s maple tree and had an opportunity to tap the tree to see if any maple syrup would flow. Unfortunately, it didn’t because it was too cold.

Following the outdoor activity, students participated in a taste test of three different types of syrup. The children noted differences in color, smell and consistency. According to kindergarten teacher Nicole Crumlich, the program reinforced the students’ full-year study of trees and how they grow and change.