Measuring volume and capacity

Lesson 1: Introduction

Complete individually

Step 1: Test your knowledge

• What units do we use to measure capacity and volume? Access this fun and interactive website to complete the task: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/maths/measures/use_of_measure/activity/
• What do we know about estimates? What are the two main things to consider when trying to make an estimate? Use the StudyLadder website to answer these questions: https://www.studyladder.com.au/games/activity/measure-volume-using-informal-units-22179  

Step 2: Double check!

• If you are unclear of the meaning of volume or capacity and how they differ, use the math's dictionary: http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/ 
• If you are still unsure about any of the concepts above, ask your teacher before moving on. 

Lesson 2: Capacity

Step 1: Watch the video!

Complete as a class

• Watch this short video about how we measure capacity: https://www.youtub e.com/watch?v=GFTlete-nMM
• If you have any questions, put your hand up after the video and ask your teacher. 

Step 2: Difference between volume and capacity

Complete in groups of 4 

• Work through the following activities/videos with your peers, and make sure you understand the difference between volume and capacity.
• Capacity: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/topic/capacity
• Volume: http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=6
• Capacity vs. Volume: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgpwhYLm6uo

Lesson 3: Capacity

Step 1: Refresh your memory

Complete as a class

• Create a class definition of capacity
• What is capacity? What unit of measurement do we use to measure capacity? 
• How many mL in 1/2 cup?

Step 2: Put it into action!

Complete in groups of 4

• You should have collected some items from home which you can use to measure capacity (eg. measurement cup, bucket, medicine cup). Don't forget to record your findings in your journal so you can add it to your poster! 
• Use a large jug of water to see how many of your containers can be filled (to their fullest capacity) with this volume of water.
• Take some pictures to use in your final poster (if you are using an online journal, you can store them there!).

• Complete this worksheet and hand it in to your teacher when you’ve finished: http://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/capacity/estimate-metric3.pdf  

Lesson 4: Volume 

Step 1: Watch a video!

As a class

• Watch this video tutorial on volume: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgpwhYLm6uo 

Step  2: Put it into action!

Complete in groups of 4

• Fill one tall cylinder shaped container and one rectangular-based prism with pinballs and compare which has the most pinballs and why. 
• Then take a photo of the activity with your Ipad. 
• Record your data in your journal. 

Step 3: Test your knowledge!

Complete in groups of 4

Lesson 5: Presenting your findings

• Use Powerpoint, Wiki or Prezi to create an interactive poster  on volume and capacity
• Things to include (see picture on Evaluation page for list of things to include) :
• Definitions of volume and capacity
• What are 2 main differences between volume and capacity?
• Give examples using your data
• Insert your pictures and/or videos from previous lessons
• Explanation and solution to problem (see below)
• Solve this problem with your group and explain your solution to the class: 
• Are the soft drink companies not giving you your money’s worth? Write a simple experiment to find out whether the amount written on the can is the volume or the capacity. Give an example of what the results would look like if you were not getting your money’s worth!

Need extra help?

• Work through some key language when measuring volume and capacity:
• http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L8146/index.html
• http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/maths/measures/index.htm

Finished early? Here are some challenging questions you can complete: