Programs
Schoolyard Sugaring Maple Syrup & Photography Contest
About the Contest
Students and educators are challenged to transform maple sap to syrup and document their experience through photography. Schools will submit a sample of classroom made maple syrup, the curricular connections, and photographs for a chance to place top in their grade-level division.
The Schoolyard Sugaring Maple Contest builds an appreciation and knowledge of the history, art, science, and careers involved in the production, marketing, and distribution of pure New York maple syrup.
Eligibility
- Pre-K through 12th grade students in New York
- Public schools, homeschools, private schools
- FFA, school clubs, and other agricultural related student groups
The Divisions
- Elementary School (UPK – 5)
- Middle School (6 – 8)
- High School (9 – 12)
The Prizes
New York Agriculture in the Classroom will provide the following prizes in each division for maple syrup, and one photography prize per division.
- 1st Place - $250
- 2nd Place - $100
- 3rd Place - $50
- 1st Place (per division)- $50
Contest Information
Review the Contest Guidelines, Schoolyard Sugaring Production Checklist, and the judging rubric to learn more about the contest, utilize helpful guide for producing maple syrup, and identify the criteria for scoring the syrup. Maple Starter Kits will again be available! The first 30 classrooms to request this resource will receive a starter kit valued at $120. Teachers who received a kit previously will not be eligible for a full kit, but can request 10 new sap collection bags.
Registration
All classrooms must register to participate in the Schoolyard Sugaring Contest and to receive an empty maple syrup sample jug, a starter kit, and/or sap bag refills. Registration will remain open throughout the contest.
Schoolyard Sugaring Maple Syrup and Photography Submissions
For the maple syrup portion of the competition, one sample of classroom-produced maple syrup should be submitted. Individual students and educators are welcome to submit their photographs of their engagement in the Schoolyard Sugaring experience for the photo contest. Each student or educator is eligible to submit up to five images.
Resource Center
Questions
Please direct any questions you have about this contest to Jeremiah Best, jjb386@cornell.edu.
Explore the Past Winning Schools and Photographs
Check out the sweet submissions from the past winners of the Schoolyard Sugaring Maple Contest!