Capacity for Capacity

What is the difference between Volume and Capacity?

Capacity is the amount a container can hold if completely full to the brim.

Volume is the actual amount in the container e.g. 500ml.

The Year 2’s explored Capacity and Volume using different sized containers and “dragon tears” (plastic chips used in recycling plants). They were learning how to fill a container to the litre or half litre mark. Some students quickly put two and two together and discovered that two half litres make up one litre.

I must say, it was a joy as a teacher to watch the Year 2’s exploring and discovering on their own terms. Although the task was set out for them clearly, with the use of a worksheet to guide them, the rest of the learning was up to them.

This discovery learning approach, also described as Active Learning, has many benefits for students:

– It helps students to take charge of their own learning
– Students become independent thinkers
– Problem solving and intellectual abilities of students is enhanced
– Students are more motivated, interested and satisfied with what they are learning

Active Learning for the win!

Gillian Baker
Year 2 Teacher