Direct Instruction: Popcorn Capacity
Students are using an enrich task to build understanding of volume and capacity.
This video shows a lesson on measuring capacity. Students construct two different size containers from two pieces of A4 paper. Then use popcorn to rationalise their thinking and alter their prediction.
Reflection: This lesson went really well, students made predictions based on what they could see and were able to change their thinking based on their findings. I was glad I had held back on putting the popcorn out on tables (like the other resources) as when it did arrive it did become a bit of a distraction. Once we dived into using measurement to compare different volume/capacities. I realised we needed to do more work on long multiplication.
Things to note: There were 2 teachers in the room for this session, which helped as the other teacher's question/reminder brought us back to the word capacity for our final statements. At the end of the lesson we return to the information on the whiteboard and added to what we knew about capacity.
Site content
Popcorn Capacity
We are learning to measure the capacity/volume of a 3D shape.
We can compare two containers and make a prediction about what will hold more.
Instructions:
Great for groups of 4 students
Set up on tables, 2 pieces of paper (2 for making the containers) cylinders, scissors (to cut tape) sellotape.
Students look at image and make initial prediction about which will hold more.
Make containers, one using A4 paper landscape the other using A4 paper portrait. (Make in pairs that way one other student can tape up container).
Student make another prediction, now they can see and touch containers. Give out 2 more pieces of A4 paper (for cylinders to stand on).
Think pair share: how we are going to make the comparison between the capacity of the two containers, share ideas with the class.
Pass around popcorn bags (I modelled how to open one end so student could pour popcorn in).
Learner Generated Content
Manaiakalani Education Trust
PO Box 18 061, Glen Innes
Auckland, New Zealand