Fill It Up
Est. Class Sessions: 3
In this lab, students develop a plan for accurately finding the volume of large containers. They find the volumes of at least three containers of various sizes and shapes. Students use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve problems involving volume. In working with containers of different shapes, the students are reminded that the tallest container may not always have the largest volume.
Content in this Lesson
- Measuring accurately the volume of large, unusually shaped containers [E10].
- Measuring volume using graduated cylinders [E10].
- Solving multidigit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division word problems involving volume using mental math strategies [E3, E4, E8].
- Interpreting remainders of multidigit division problems [E6].
- Making and interpreting a bar graph [E13].
- Using patterns in data to make predictions and solve problems [E13].
- Using the relationship between larger and smaller units of measure to solve problems [E9].
- Attending to precision and accuracy.
- Using medians to average data [E12].
- Choosing appropriate graph representations.
Daily Practice and Problems Y–DD
Materials for Students
| Daily Practice and Problems | Lesson | Homework | Assessment | ||
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Student Books |
Student Guide |
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| Student Activity Book |
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Teacher Resources |
Teacher Guide - digital |
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Supplies for Student Groups
cup (or small container)
plain paper
3 containers—small, medium, and large (see Materials Preparation)
graduated cylinder (250 cc recommended)
eyedropper
dishpan, or similar container, optional
paper towels
beaker or container of water
Materials for the Teacher
Unit 13 Assessment Record
Math Facts Class Record
large, irregularly shaped “mystery jar”
Materials Preparation
Collect Containers. Gather identical containers (e.g., large paper cups) for each group. Collect containers of various sizes and shapes so each group of students will have at least three containers. Jars work quite well for this investigation because they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Cups, such as small 3-oz. paper cups, medium 9-oz. coffee cups, and large 16-oz. plastic cups, can also be used. However, using only cups is not as interesting or as challenging since they all have the same shape.
If possible, remove all labels before giving the jars to the students. The labels on some jars give their volumes, but usually in fluid ounces, not cubic centimeters. Note that 1 fluid ounce equals about 30 cubic centimeters. The labels on other jars give the weight of the contents but not the volume. The list in Figure 1 provides ranges of volumes for some common jars.
Find a Mystery Jar. Set aside a “mystery jar,” whose volume children will guess after they have completed the lesson.
Assessment in this Lesson
| Assessment | Expectation Assessed |
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Fill It Up Lab |
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DPP Item AA |
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