Lesson Plan
Lesson 3: Measuring, Comparing and Ordering Capacities
A 60 minute lesson in which students will estimate and measure the capacity of containers using informal units.
This lesson plan includes the following resources:
Preparation
It is recommended that the activity in this lesson be completed in an outdoor space, to prevent water spillage.Equipment
- large buckets
- Measuring cups
- Plastic containers of various sizes
Lesson Plan
This lesson contains a link to an external video. Please watch the video prior to presenting this lesson to ensure that the content is appropriate for your students.
Tuning In
- Access students’ prior knowledge and learning by asking what capacity is and how is it measured.
- Watch the Measuring Capacity video on YouTube. Afterwards, revise and discuss the task that was being performed in the video and how it was completed.
Teacher Instruction
- Provide the students with a copy of the Measuring, Comparing and Ordering Capacity Worksheet. Show the class the containers they will be measuring and model how to measure their capacities. Reiterate to the students that they will need to:
- estimate the capacity before measuring
- fill the measuring cup all the way to the top
- keep adding water until the container is completely full.
- Discuss what to do if a whole cup of liquid will not fit into the container e.g. stop measuring if the container is going to overflow with the next cup. Demonstrate how the water from the container is to be returned to the bucket before completing the next measurement.
Guided/Independent Learning
- Place the students into small groups. Monitor and support the students as they estimate and measure the capacity of the containers. Allow each group to measure one container at a time, then record their results on the worksheet. When all of the containers have been measured, encourage the students to complete the reflection questions on the worksheet.
Wrapping Up
- Gather the class together and invite the students to share their findings. Discuss any discrepancies and ask the students to consider why some results might have been different between groups.
Differentiation
Extending Students
- Encourage more capable students to experiment with a different measuring device and/or substance.
Supporting Students
- For less confident students, reduce the number of containers to be measured.
Assessment Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
- used strategic whole class or individual questioning
- observed student participation during learning activities
- recorded student progress on a checklist
- annotated student work samples
- collected and reviewed student work samples
- facilitated whole class or peer feedback sessions
- encouraged student self-reflection
- administered formal assessment tasks.
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