View source for Smoothie Capacity Challenge/Lesson Document

=Outline of the activity=

'''Start'''

Show the children a number of containers of varying shapes and capacities.  Explain that there is smoothie to share but that each group will have to decide which container they would like filled up.  Ask them to talk in pairs about which might be the biggest and which the smallest.  Compare their thoughts.  Put the children in groups of 2 or 3.  Give them a number of containers (depending on the ability of each group either give obviously different containers or give containers of a similar capacity but different shape) ask them to put them in order of capacity – how much they will hold.  Label the containers using masking tape and a marker pen.

'''Main Activity'''

With very little more input about container sizes and capacities explain that the children need to make sure they have the largest possible container so that they get the most smoothie possible.  Show them the water for measuring.  Tell them how much time they have to work it out and let them go.  Work with each group in turn asking appropriate questions and if absolutely necessary, giving guidance.

NB. It is better to let them have enough time without intervention to make mistakes and rectify them than to show them too much, stifling their ability to create a sensible comparative method.

'''End'''
Using a small non-standard measure take the container that each group has chosen and measure smoothie in to it.  Note how much smoothie each group has managed to get.  Then compare what they found to their original selections before measuring.  There is now scope for a good discussion and further work could now be done using small non-standard units to measure the capacity of each container – once the smoothie has been drunk of course.


=Notes and tips=

This activity is best done outside or in an area that can be mopped. Each group will need a large container – tray or stacker box – and a range of other containers, the capacity of which will be compared.  Children are likely to get wet – they may need aprons.  If doing this outside it may be better to take tables out as the children are less likely to pour water over their feet or to kneel in it.