The purpose of this activity is for students to think about and compare the capacities of containers. Students start by comparing two containers where it is visually obvious which one holds more. They use comparison language, such as “The pitcher holds more than the cup.” Then, students brainstorm ways to compare the capacities of containers that are not easy to compare visually. Students may need to see the water poured between the two containers multiple times before they determine and can explain which container has the greater capacity. As students make predictions and then discuss and justify their comparisons, they share a mathematical claim and the thinking behind it (MP3).

• “We can use water to help us figure out which cup can hold more lemonade.”

The purpose of this task is for students to compare the capacities of two containers where the comparison is not easy to see. Students experiment with filling containers of water to determine which has a greater capacity. Each group of students needs two cups or containers to compare, a container of water, and a plastic or foil tray to catch any water that spills. Students also can use small paper cups to fill up the containers. This activity also can be completed outside or at a water table. There are multiple ways that students can compare the capacities of the containers, including by pouring water from one container to the other and seeing if the water overflows or if there is room left over, or by counting how many small cups it takes to fill up each container (MP7).

• Invite each group of students to share how they compared the capacities of the cups with the class. As each group shares, ask:
  • “Which cup holds more water?”
  • “Which cup holds less water?”
  • “Tell your partner about the cups, using the word ‘less.’”

The purpose of this activity is for students to choose from activities that offer practice with number and shape concepts.

Students choose any previously introduced stage from these centers:

• Counting Collections
• Match Mine
• Shake and Spill

• “Where can you find the materials that you need to play Match Mine? Where do the materials go when you are finished playing?”