Free Teaching Resource
Capacity Math Investigation - Filling the Fish Tank
A mathematics investigation involving capacity, embedded in a real-world context.
This open-ended mathematics investigation has been designed to deepen students’ understanding of capacity.
In this investigation, the teacher has bought a new fish tank to house some class fish. The students must bring in a container from home that could be used to transport water from the classroom sink to the fish tank. Once everyone has measured the capacity of their containers, the class must decide which is the perfect container for the teacher to use.
This teaching resource includes:
- teacher notes, detailing a range of important information about the investigation
- a detailed description of the investigation for students, including step-by-step instructions
- conducting the investigation worksheet
- reflection questions.
Featured in
Download this resource as part of a larger resource pack or Unit Plan.
Common Core Curriculum alignment
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.A.1
Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Describe several measurable attributes of a single object.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.A.2
Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has "more of"/"less of" the attribute, and describe the difference. For example, directly compare the heights of two children and describe one child as taller/sho...

We create premium quality, downloadable teaching resources for primary/elementary school teachers that make classrooms buzz!
Find more resources for these topics
MathematicsMeasurementVolume and CapacityMathematics InvestigationsScienceScience Investigation & ReasoningProjectsOpen-Ended Tasks
Comments & Reviews
Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you would like to request a change (Changes & Updates) to this resource, or report an error, simply select the corresponding tab above.
Request a change
Would you like something changed or customized on this resource? While our team makes every effort to complete change requests, we can't guarantee that every change will be completed.
You must be logged in to request a change. Sign up now!
Report an Error
You must be logged in to report an error. Sign up now!
Help
Are you having trouble downloading or viewing this resource? Please try the following steps:
- Check that you are logged in to your account
- Check that you have a paid subscription
- Check that you have installed Adobe Reader (download here)
If you are still having difficulty, please visit the Teach Starter Help Desk or contact us.
Contact us