Comparing Capacity
Understanding capacity is a vital part of any young mathematician's journey. Our free “Comparing Capacity” worksheet is designed to engage Year 3 and Year 4 students as they explore and compare the capacity of various everyday items. Through this activity, students will not only learn how to measure and record capacity using formal units like millilitres and litres but also develop critical thinking skills by finding real-world examples that fit specific criteria.
Worksheet Overview
The “Comparing Capacity” worksheet offers a hands-on approach to learning about capacity by allowing students to compare different containers and their volumes. This worksheet is divided into two pages, each providing a unique challenge:
-
Page 1: Students are given a specific capacity, such as 1 litre, with a corresponding picture, like a juice carton. Their task is to find and measure items with both smaller and larger
-
capacities. For example, a can of soft drink might have a smaller capacity of 375mL, while a bucket might have a larger capacity.
-
Page 2: The structure remains the same, but the given capacities do not include images, giving students the opportunity to find and measure additional items. This offers more flexibility for teachers who want to extend the activity, encouraging students to explore more objects either at home, in the classroom, or even online.
How to Complete the Worksheet
-
Identify the Given Capacity: In the middle of each row, students will see a given capacity, like 1 litre.
-
Find a Smaller Capacity: On the left side of the given capacity, students must find an item with a smaller capacity. They can measure containers, look through catalogues, or search online. For instance, a can of soft drink with a capacity of 375mL could be used.
-
Find a Larger Capacity: On the right side of the given capacity, students need to find an item with a larger capacity, such as a bucket with a capacity of 10 litres.
-
Record and Illustrate: Students will write down the capacities they find and either draw a picture of the items or cut out images from catalogues to glue onto the worksheet.
Why This Worksheet Works
-
Real-World Application: By encouraging students to measure and compare real-world objects, this worksheet helps them understand how capacity is used in everyday life.
-
Hands-On Learning: The activity promotes active engagement, making maths lessons more interactive and enjoyable.
-
Flexibility: With two pages offering different levels of challenge, teachers can tailor the worksheet to fit the needs of their students, whether in the classroom or as homework.
Download Now
The “Comparing Capacity” worksheet is a valuable resource for helping students grasp the concept of capacity through practical and visual learning. By comparing everyday items, students can better understand how to measure and record capacity, setting a strong foundation for future maths lessons.
​
All resources on our website are free to download, making it easy to integrate this activity into your teaching toolkit. Click the button below to download the “Comparing Capacity” worksheet and get started today!
​
This engaging activity is a perfect way to support Year 3 and Year 4 students in mastering the concept of capacity. By bringing the maths lesson to life through real-world examples, students can connect their learning to their everyday experiences, ensuring the knowledge sticks. Download your free worksheet now and make capacity comparison fun and educational!