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Lesson 9 of 10
Compare and order measurements of volume and capacity
I can compare and order measurements of volume and capacity.
Lesson 9 of 10
New
New
Compare and order measurements of volume and capacity
I can compare and order measurements of volume and capacity.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- You can compare capacity in the same way as we compare 2-digit numbers.
- When the units are different and the numbers are the same, you can compare measurements by looking at the numbers.
- You can pour liquid from one container into another to compare their capacities.
Keywords
Volume - The amount of space something takes up.
Capacity - The amount of liquid something can hold.
Common misconception
Children may think that a taller container always has a larger capacity.
Choose tall narrow containers alongside short, wide containers and compare the capacities in different ways, such as recording a measurement for each capacity as well as pouring from one container into another to see which has the greater capacity.
Prepare a range of differently-sized and shaped containers in advance of this lesson. Allow children time to explore comparing and ordering the capacity of each container by filling with water and pouring between containers.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Look at this bucket. Match the parts of the sentence correctly.
Look at this bucket. Match the parts of the sentence correctly.
capacity.
volume.
Q2.One litre is __________ one millilitre.
One litre is __________ one millilitre.
a smaller volume than
Q3.Which of these liquids have a volume of about one millilitre?
Which of these liquids have a volume of about one millilitre?
A bucket full of water
A full carton of orange juice
Q4.True or false. If you wanted to measure the capacity of a bucket, it is sensible to choose to measure in millilitres.
True or false. If you wanted to measure the capacity of a bucket, it is sensible to choose to measure in millilitres.
True
Q5.What is the volume of liquid in this bucket? l
What is the volume of liquid in this bucket? l
Q6.Choose the most sensible measurement. The capacity of a kitchen sink is __________.
Choose the most sensible measurement. The capacity of a kitchen sink is __________.
15 millilitres
15 metres
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Izzy and Laura compare the volume of orange squash that they have in their cups. Which statements are true?
Izzy and Laura compare the volume of orange squash that they have in their cups. Which statements are true?
Laura has more squash than Izzy.
Q2.Now, Izzy and Laura are comparing the capacity of their bottles. Which statements are true?
Now, Izzy and Laura are comparing the capacity of their bottles. Which statements are true?
Izzy’s bottle has a larger capacity than Laura’s bottle.
The capacity of Laura’s bottle < capacity of Izzy’s bottle.
Q3.Compare the volume of juice in the two measuring beakers using < > or = Beaker A ___ Beaker B
Compare the volume of juice in the two measuring beakers using < > or = Beaker A ___ Beaker B
<
=
Q4.Compare the two measurements using < > or = 35 ml ___ 35 l
Compare the two measurements using < > or = 35 ml ___ 35 l
>
=
Q5.What could the missing tens digit be to make this expression correct?
What could the missing tens digit be to make this expression correct?
2
3
Q6.Laura and Izzy used a large jug to measure the capacity of 4 different containers. Which statements are correct?
Laura and Izzy used a large jug to measure the capacity of 4 different containers. Which statements are correct?
Container D has the greatest capacity.
Container A has a greater capacity than Container B.