Exploring Capacity and Mass (Part 1)

Capacity & Mass Activity Centres

 Activity A

Capacity—Lentils

1.     Estimate the capacity of all the containers (Record your estimate.)

2.     Carefully pour the lentils into one of the containers.

3.     Carefully pour the lentils from the container into a measuring container.

4.     Record your results.

5.     Repeat until you have measured the capacity of each container.

6.     Write the capacities in order from least to greatest.

Activity B

Mass—light items

1.     Assemble the scale.

2.     Estimate the mass (weight) of a pig.  (Record your estimate.)

3.     Use the balance scale to find the weight in grams.  Place the pig on one side and a weight on the other side.  Record your results.

4.     Choose 2 other small items to estimate and weigh in the same way.

Activity C

Capacity—Water

1.     Estimate the capacity of all the containers.  (Record your estimate.)

2.     Fill up the container with water from the tap.  Stop where you see the tape.

3.     Carefully pour the water from a container into a measuring container.

4.     Record your results.

5.     Repeat until all containers are measured.

6.     Write all of the capacities in order from least to greatest.

Problem Solving D

Mass—Grizzly Bear

The average mass of a grizzly bear is about 360 kg.  About how many grade 3 children together have the mass of  a grizzly bear.  (1 kg = about 2 pounds)

Show your thinking.