Apple Cider Pressing at CitySprouts

Throughout the month of October and into early November, CitySprouts has been busy pressing apple cider at all 21 of our partnering schools in Cambridge and in Boston.

WHY CIDER?

Not only is making apple cider a fun, hands-on and delicious autumn activity, but it also is an opportunity for hands-on learning. CitySprouts’ cider pressing program creates STEM-based, hands on learning opportunities in the garden, through looking at the simple machines and process of a New England tradition while connecting with science, writing, and math concepts and practices in their classroom.

History

Apples were among the first crops planted in colonial New England, with colonists arriving with trees planted in barrels, ready to start their orchards. Cider was a favorite drink for colonists, viewed as more trustworthy than water, which had the risk of being unsafe. There are over 120 varieties of apples grown in New England, and we’ll be pressing a number of different unique varieties throughout the month of October and into November. Students will have the opportunity to use all of their senses to observe and sample a wide variety of apple types that we might not get to see in the grocery store today.

Science

In addition to participating in a historic New England tradition, students will be learning about the basics of simple machines and gears. When we make apple cider with students, we’re also exploring the mechanics of the apple cider press, learning about simple and complex machines, and about gears. Students get the hands-on opportunity to learn about the basics of engineering-- work that has been going on for hundreds of years.

Hands-On Skills

The opportunity for hands-on cider pressing allows our youngest students to build their fine motor skills: cutting apples, cranking the press- all of this gives our young students the chance to strengthen those developmental skills that will serve them well as they continue to grow and explore the world around them.