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Volume Detectives

Lesson Plan

Volume Detectives Lesson Plan

Students will explore and compare how much space different containers hold by filling them, recording their findings, and identifying which holds more or less.

Understanding volume through hands-on, playful investigation builds foundational math skills, supports quantitative reasoning, and fosters engagement in measurement concepts.

Audience

Kindergarten Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided, hands-on container filling and peer discussion

Materials

Small Cups and Jars, Scoops or Measuring Cups, Water or Dry Filling Material (Beans or Rice), Measuring Spoons Set, Volume Detective Investigation Sheet, Chart Paper and Marker, and Towels or Paper Towels

Prep

Station and Material Preparation

10 minutes

  • Arrange 3–4 investigation stations around the room, each with an assortment of small cups and jars, scoops, and a central bin of water or dry material (beans/rice).
  • Lay out measuring spoons at each station.
  • Print one copy per student of the Volume Detective Investigation Sheet and place at stations with clipboards or hard surfaces.
  • Prepare a class recording chart on chart paper with headings: "Container A","Container B","Which Holds More?".
  • Have towels or paper towels ready at each station for spills.
  • Review the Volume Detective Investigation Sheet to familiarize with the recording format.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and show two differently sized cups.
  • Ask: "Which cup do you think holds more? How can we find out?"
  • Introduce themselves as "Volume Detectives" who measure and compare how much things can hold.

Step 2

Demonstration

5 minutes

  • Choose one station and demonstrate filling both containers using a scoop or measuring cup.
  • Count scoops aloud as you fill each container, then compare scoop counts.
  • Model how to record results on the chart paper and the Volume Detective Investigation Sheet.

Step 3

Guided Exploration

10 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs and assign to a station.
  • Instruct them to select two containers, fill each using scoops or spoons, and count the fills.
  • Record which container held more on their investigation sheet (draw arrows or circle the larger container).
  • Rotate roles so both partners scoop and record.

Step 4

Sharing & Discussion

5 minutes

  • Reconvene as a whole class and invite pairs to share one finding: which containers they compared and which held more.
  • Discuss: "Did any station surprise you? Why?"
  • Highlight that different shapes can hold different amounts even if they look similar.

Step 5

Conclusion & Assessment

5 minutes

  • Ask students to complete the final question on their Volume Detective Investigation Sheet: draw a new pair of containers and predict which holds more.
  • Collect sheets as formative assessment to check understanding of volume comparison.
  • Praise students for their detective work and celebrate discoveries.
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Slide Deck

Volume Detectives

Welcome, detectives! Today we will explore and compare how much space different containers can hold.

Welcome students to the lesson. Introduce yourself as Chief Detective and explain that today they will become “Volume Detectives.” Encourage excitement and curiosity.

Which Holds More?

Which cup do you think holds more? Make your prediction and tell us why!

Hold up two cups of different sizes (or images). Ask students to predict which will hold more. Encourage a few volunteers to share their guesses and reasoning.

Demonstration

Watch as we fill Cup A and Cup B with scoops. Let’s count together to see which holds more!

Demonstrate filling two containers side by side. Use a scoop or measuring cup and count aloud each scoop. Record results on the chart and the investigation sheet. Model clear recording.

Time to Explore

With your partner:
• Choose two containers
• Fill each using scoops or cups
• Count scoops and record on your investigation sheet
• Decide which holds more

Divide students into pairs and assign each pair a station. Remind them to use their Volume Detective Investigation Sheet to record scoop counts and draw or circle which container held more. Circulate to support.

Share Your Findings

Which containers did you compare? Which one held more? Tell us what you discovered!

Invite pairs to share one comparison they made and which container held more. Prompt children to use descriptive language (e.g., “Container B needed 5 scoops, but Container A only needed 3 scoops!”). Foster discussion about surprises.

Detective Challenge

Draw two new containers and predict which holds more. Then test your prediction and record the result!

Distribute blank paper or use the last section of the investigation sheet. Ask students to draw a new pair of containers, predict which holds more, then test it if time permits. Collect sheets as a formative assessment.

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Worksheet

Volume Detective Investigation Sheet

Name: ____________________________



Date: ____________________________



Station #: ________________________


Investigation 1

Draw Container A here:





Draw Container B here:





How many scoops to fill Container A? ______ scoops



How many scoops to fill Container B? ______ scoops



Which container held more? Circle one: A B



Investigation 2

Draw Container A here:





Draw Container B here:





How many scoops to fill Container A? ______ scoops



How many scoops to fill Container B? ______ scoops



Which container held more? Circle one: A B



Detective Challenge

  1. Draw two new containers:






  2. Predict which container will hold more and why:






  3. Test your prediction. What did you find?




Use your scoops or measuring cups to fill, count, and compare. Record carefully—good detective work requires precise measurements!

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