Little House in the Big Woods

Questions and Answers

Why couldn't Pa explain what 'Sugar Snow' was?

Because he had to run off to go to Grandpa far away in the Big Woods.

How long was Pa gone?

He didn't return until that night (correct)

He went to Grandpa for the morning to drop off fur and returned to cabin

He went to Independence for three days

He came back in the early afternoon soon after the girls finished their lunch

What things did Pa come back with? Name at least two things.

Two hard, brown cakes, milk pans, wooden bucket full of dark brown syrup, presents for Laura and Mary.

What explanation did Pa give for why he couldn't have shot a bear if it approached him?

He had too many things to carry Signup and view all the answers

What did Grandpa make all winter long?

Wooden buckets and little troughs Signup and view all the answers

What did Grandpa do with all the little troughs he had made?

Hammered them into maple trees Signup and view all the answers

What was Grandpa expecting when the trough was in place on the tree?

Sap. Signup and view all the answers

Where does sap come from, and how do leaves begin to grow?

Sap is the blood of the tree. It comes up from the roots when warm weather begins in the spring and goes to the very tip of each branch and twig, making green leaves grow. Signup and view all the answers

What does Grandpa do with the collection of sap?

Boils it in an iron kettle Signup and view all the answers

How hot should the fire be?

Hot enough to keep sap boiling Signup and view all the answers

How long should the sap boil?

When the sap is boiled down enough until it grains Signup and view all the answers

What does Grandpa do once the sap is graining?

Rakes it all out from underneath kettle Signup and view all the answers

When does sap turn into syrup?

When sap has boiled down enough and starts to grain. Signup and view all the answers

Syrup is thicker than sap. Explain why?

True Signup and view all the answers

Why do they call this sugar snow?

Grandpa just calls the syrup, 'sugar snow' because that's what his dad called it Signup and view all the answers

How does one make more sugar snow? Explain how weather affects production of sugar snow.

The cold spell and snow will hold back the leafing of the trees, and that makes a longer run of sap. Signup and view all the answers

What will happen at Grandpa and Grandma's house next Monday?

A dance Signup and view all the answers

Describe Grandma's dress and when and who made it.

Beautiful, dark green with little patterns all over it that looked like ripe strawberries. A dressmaker made it in the East when she married Pa. Signup and view all the answers

What did Pa have to do with his fiddle?

Replace it with new strings Signup and view all the answers

What did Pa do before Laura and Mary as they went to bed?

Replace his string, play, and sang. Signup and view all the answers

What was this chapter mainly about?

How syrup is made Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sugar Snow Overview

"Sugar Snow" is a term used by Grandpa for maple syrup production during winter.
Pa went to visit Grandpa to drop off fur in the Big Woods, which caused a delay in explaining "Sugar Snow."

Pa's Journey

Pa's trip was brief, returning later that night after dropping off fur.
He brought back various items, including two hard brown cakes, milk pans, and a wooden bucket filled with syrup.

Grandpa's Winter Activities

Grandpa was busy making wooden buckets and troughs during the winter.
He connected small troughs to maple trees to collect sap, which he expected to flow as the weather warmed.

Sap Collection Process

Sap acts as the "blood of the tree," rising from roots to the branches as spring approaches.
Grandpa boils collected sap in an iron kettle, ensuring the fire is hot enough to keep it boiling consistently.

Sap to Syrup Transformation

The sap must boil down until it begins to grain, which indicates it’s ready to transform into syrup.
Once graining starts, Grandpa rakes out the residue from the kettle.

Characteristics of Syrup

Syrup is significantly thicker than sap due to extended boiling.
The term "sugar snow" relates to the increased sugar production during colder weather; the cold weather helps extend the sap run.

Upcoming Celebrations

A dance is planned for the upcoming Monday at Grandpa and Grandma's house.
Grandma's dress for the occasion is described as dark green with patterns resembling ripe strawberries, made by a dressmaker in the East.

Pa’s Evening Activities

Before bed, Pa prepares his fiddle by replacing the strings and plays music for Laura and Mary.
The chapter encapsulates the excitement around syrup production and the expected celebration with family.

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Description

Test your knowledge about Chapter 7, 'Sugar Snow', from 'Little House in the Big Woods'. This quiz delves into key events and details that shape this chapter of Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved book. Brush up on your understanding of Pa's adventures and the significance of 'Sugar Snow'.

Little House in the Big Woods - Chapter 7