Fourth Grade Lesson Plans for Measuring Capacity

Capacity varies based on the size and shape of the container.

Capacity measures the amount of a substance a container can hold. Students learn that there are many different aspects that determine the capacity of each container, including height, length and width. Fourth-grade students must also learn the conversions between different capacities, such how many cups are in a gallon. Lesson plans must focus on how capacity is determined and how to convert between different measurements of capacity.

Comparing Capacity

Place three containers of different sizes, including height, length and diameter, on a table. Fill each of the containers with a colored liquid, like juice, to the same level. Ask the students if all the containers hold the same amount of juice since the level in each container is the same. Have them write down their expectations. Pour out the juice from each container into a measuring container and make an accurate measurement of the amount of juice held. Discuss with the class the aspects that affected the capacity of the containers, such as height, width and diameter.

Hold It

Give each child a small amount of beans to use for the activity. Ask the students to make an estimation of how many beans they are able to hold in the palm of their hand. Make a chart on the board to record each student's estimation. Have the students test to see how many beans they can hold in their hand. Record the findings in the chart. Discuss what factors affected the capacity of their hands. For example, discuss why one student could hold more beans than others. Ask the students to consider if the capacity would go up if the beans were changed to grains of rice. Why?

Converting Capacity

Part of capacity is learning how to convert one measurement to another. Students must learn how many cups are in a pint, how many pints are in a quart and how many quarts are in a gallon. One of the best ways for students to learn this is to have them experiment on their own. In a large container place water with a little bit of food coloring so that everyone can see. The students will measure out one cup at a time to fill a pint. Repeat with pints in a quart and quarts in a gallon. Record the findings for each test on the board. Give the students word problems working on converting different measurements such as "How many cups are in a gallon?" Have the students test the answer using the colored water.

Capacity Man

Create a Capacity Man using the different measurements to create a construction paper cut out. Capacity Man is based on how many cups, pints and quarts make a gallon. A gallon will be the body of Capacity Man. Four quarts will make the arms and legs. Eight pints are created, with two pints being placed on top of each of the four quarts. Sixteen cups should then be cut out and two each placed on top of the pints. Have the students design and create the head and feet of Capacity Man. This man can be used as a bulletin board material.

References

• Difference Between: Difference Between Volume and Capacity
• Eduplace: Hold It!
• Crayola: Measure Up! Capacity Chart
• Teachers: #1661 Capacity