Mass and capacity - Measure capacity - Planning

In a well-structured lesson plan for Year 3 students, the concept of measuring capacity is introduced, with a focus on understanding the difference between capacity and volume. The lesson commences with a recap of prior knowledge, emphasising that capacity refers to the maximum amount a container can hold, while volume is the actual amount of liquid present. This stage sets the groundwork for exploring measurements in litres and millilitres, without mixing the two units. The class is engaged through a variety of practical activities, including examining different containers and scales to determine which unit of measurement is appropriate for the liquid inside. Students are encouraged to think critically about what items would typically be measured in each unit and to use sentence stems to articulate their understanding of each container's capacity and volume.

As the lesson progresses, the children engage in reasoning tasks where they estimate the capacity of various containers and then verify their guesses with actual measurements. This hands-on approach not only solidifies their understanding of capacity and volume but also hones their skills in reading scales and making comparisons. Differentiated worksheets cater to varying levels of ability, ensuring that all students can participate and learn effectively. The lesson concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' activity, where students identify what they have learned, the skills they have used and found challenging, and what they will remember from the lesson. This ensures that students at different levels, from working towards to greater depth, are able to describe and understand capacity and volume, with varying degrees of guidance on scale intervals.