Weight and volume - Measure capacity - Planning

In Year 1, during the first week of Spring term, students embark on a practical exploration of volume and capacity. The lesson focuses on measuring capacity using non-standard units such as cups and spoons. In this hands-on activity, children learn the importance of consistency when measuring, ensuring they use the same unit for comparison, like the same cup or spoon, and filling it to the brim every time. They practice this skill by measuring the volume of liquid in various containers, reinforcing their understanding of volume and measure. Key vocabulary such as 'volume', 'measure', 'containers', 'non-standard units of measure', 'liquid', and 'full' are introduced, with resources available for further clarification of these terms.

Students work in pairs, discussing and predicting outcomes, and are encouraged to articulate their reasoning with full sentences. The lesson includes a series of activities where children use smaller containers to fill larger ones, counting each time to determine capacity. They also learn to predict the number of smaller units needed to fill multiple containers, enhancing their pattern recognition and prediction skills. Towards the end of the lesson, problem-solving tasks challenge students to identify and correct mistakes in measuring, prompting them to think critically about the process. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' exercise where students consider what they've learned, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging, ensuring they remember the key points of measuring volume and capacity.