How to Teach Liquid Measurements (U.S.)

Teach children that a gallon of milk is the same as 16 cups.

Unlike the International System of Units (SI), or metric system, the U.S. customary system of measurements is not standardized based on powers of 10. In the United States, the standard volume measurements for liquids -- gallons, quarts, pints and cups -- need to be memorized using simple formulas. You can teach volume concepts in a fun yet effective way.

Things You'll Need

• Colored construction paper

Instructions

1. Label the first piece of paper "Gallon."

2. Fold and cut second piece of paper in half and label each half "Half Gallon."

3. Fold and cut third piece of paper into quarters and label each quarter "Quart."

4. Fold and cut fourth piece of paper into eighths and label each piece "Pint."

5. Fold and cut fifth piece of paper into sixteenths and label each piece "Cups."

6. Have children use the kit to compare and convert measurements. Let them see how many of each color it takes to make a gallon, or quiz them on how many quarts are in a half gallon.

Tips & Warnings

• Instruct children that a cup can be further divided into 8 ounces.

References

• Education World: Gallon Man Template and Lesson