Class: Primary 4
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Age: 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: Liquids Used As Sources Of Energy (Primary 4)
Topic: MEASURING VOLUME OF LIQUIDS
Content/Learning Area: Meaning of volume, Objects that have volume, Measuring volume in cm³ liquid, Measuring in ml, mm³.
Performance Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
- Define volume and explain its importance in measuring liquids
- Identify and differentiate between units of volume measurement (cm³, ml, mm³)
- Convert between basic units of volume measurement
- Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of accurate measurement of liquids in everyday life
- Show interest in measuring the volume of different liquids
- Develop a positive attitude towards precision in measurement
- Psychomotor Domain:
- Correctly use measuring cylinders and graduated containers to measure liquid volume
- Demonstrate proper techniques for reading volume measurements
- Accurately record volume measurements in appropriate units
- Social Domain:
- Collaborate effectively with peers during group measurement activities
- Communicate findings and observations clearly to classmates
- Respect different approaches to solving measurement problems
Reference Materials:
The following resources was used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information from: PhysicsMax.com – Volume of liquids
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials:
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Measuring cylinders of different sizes
- Graduated beakers and jars
- Transparent plastic cups with measurement markings
- Various liquid containers (soda bottles, juice packs)
- Colored water
- Charts showing conversion between volume units
- Volume measurement flashcards
- Laminated worksheets for practice exercises
Rationale for the Lesson:
Understanding volume measurement of liquids is essential for everyday activities like cooking, taking medicine, and scientific experiments. This knowledge builds foundation skills for accurate measurement that pupils will use throughout their lives.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:
Pupils should already be familiar with the concept of measurement as applied to length and weight. They should also have basic knowledge of the metric system and common units of measurement used in their daily lives.
Lesson Content:
Measuring Volume of Liquids
Volume is the amount of space occupied by a substance or object. For liquids, volume refers to how much liquid can be contained in a container. Volume is an important property of matter and is crucial for many everyday activities like cooking, medicine dosage, and science experiments.
Objects That Have Volume
All physical objects have volume, whether solid, liquid, or gas. However, in this lesson, we focus primarily on liquids. Liquids take the shape of their container but maintain a constant volume regardless of the container’s shape. Examples of liquids include:
- Water
- Milk
- Cooking oil
- Fruit juice
- Soft drinks
Unlike solids, liquids can be poured and measured using special graduated containers designed for accurate measurement.
Units of Volume Measurement
There are several units used to measure the volume of liquids:
- Cubic Centimeter (cm³): This is the volume occupied by a cube that measures 1 cm on each side. It is commonly used in scientific contexts.
- Milliliter (ml): A milliliter is equal to one cubic centimeter (1 ml = 1 cm³). This is the most common unit for measuring small quantities of liquid in everyday life.
- Cubic Millimeter (mm³): This is a very small unit of volume, equal to the volume of a cube that measures 1 mm on each side. It is mainly used for very precise scientific measurements.
- Liter (l): A larger unit of volume equal to 1000 milliliters. We use liters to measure larger quantities of liquids.
- Centiliter (cl): Equal to 10 milliliters, this unit is often used on beverage containers (e.g., 33 cl for a can of soda).
Measuring Instruments for Liquid Volume
To measure the volume of liquids accurately, we use special instruments including:
- Measuring Cylinders: Tall, narrow containers with markings that show the volume of liquid contained. They provide more accurate measurements than measuring cups.
- Graduated Beakers: Wide-mouthed containers with volume markings used in science laboratories and kitchens.
- Measuring Cups: Common kitchen tools marked with volume measurements, often showing both milliliters and fluid ounces.
- Pipettes: Used for measuring very small volumes of liquids precisely.
How to Measure Liquid Volume
When measuring the volume of a liquid:
- Place the measuring container on a flat, level surface.
- Pour the liquid into the container carefully.
- Bring your eye to the same level as the surface of the liquid.
- Look at the curved surface of the liquid (called the meniscus).
- Read the measurement at the bottom of the curve for accurate reading.
Volume in Everyday Life
Understanding volume measurement is important for:
- Cooking: Following recipes that require specific amounts of liquids
- Medicine: Taking the correct dosage of liquid medications
- Shopping: Understanding the quantity in beverage containers
- Science: Conducting experiments that require precise measurements
Many products we use daily indicate their volume on the packaging. For example, a bottle of soda might be labeled as 35 cl (350 ml) or 50 cl (500 ml), and medicine dosage instructions often specify amounts in milliliters.
Teaching Methods:
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Group Work, Hands-on Activities, Question and Answer, Visual Presentation
Instructional Procedures:
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Skills | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 3 mins | Set Induction | Teacher shows two different-shaped containers filled with the same amount of water and asks, “Do these containers hold the same amount of liquid? How can we know for sure?” | Pupils observe and respond with their thoughts on how to determine if the containers hold the same amount. | Volume is an important property that needs to be measured accurately. |
| Step 2: Definition and Concept of Volume | 5 mins | Explanation, Visual Aids | Teacher explains the concept of volume using visual aids and real-life examples. Defines volume as the amount of space a substance occupies. | Pupils listen attentively and respond to questions about spaces that can hold different volumes. | Volume is the amount of space that a substance occupies. |
| Step 3: Units of Volume Measurement | 7 mins | Explanation, Discussion | Teacher introduces different units of volume measurement (cm³, ml, mm³, l, cl) using charts and explains relationships between them. | Pupils participate in discussion and take notes on the different units and their relationships. | Different units are used to measure liquid volume depending on the quantity. |
| Step 4: Measuring Instruments | 6 mins | Demonstration | Teacher displays various measuring instruments and explains their uses and features. Demonstrates how to read measurements correctly. | Pupils observe the measuring instruments and ask questions about their features and uses. | Special instruments are needed for accurate volume measurement. |
| Step 5: Practical Measurement | 8 mins | Guided Practice | Teacher demonstrates the correct technique for measuring liquids using measuring cylinders and graduated containers. Shows how to read the meniscus. | Pupils practice measuring different volumes of colored water in groups using the measuring instruments provided. | Accurate measurement requires proper technique and reading at eye level. |
| Step 6: Real-life Applications | 5 mins | Discussion | Teacher discusses everyday applications of volume measurement using examples like soft drink bottles, medicine dosage, and cooking recipes. | Pupils share their own experiences with volume measurements at home or in other situations. | Volume measurement is important in daily life activities. |
| Step 7: Note Taking | 3 mins | Supervision | Teacher writes key points on the board and guides pupils on what to copy in their notebooks. | Pupils copy the main points of the lesson in their notebooks. | Reinforcement of key concepts through writing. |
| Step 8: Evaluation | 5 mins | Assessment | Teacher asks evaluation questions and gives simple tasks to measure understanding. | Pupils answer questions and perform simple measuring tasks individually. | Assessment of learning outcomes. |
| Step 9: Conclusion | 3 mins | Cognitive and Social Closure | Teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and encourages pupils to practice measuring volumes at home. Addresses any final questions. | Pupils participate in the summary by mentioning what they learned and how they will apply it. | Reinforcement of key concepts and practical applications. |
Lesson Evaluation:
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define volume in their own words.
- Name three different units used to measure the volume of liquids.
- Explain the relationship between milliliters and cubic centimeters.
- Demonstrate how to correctly read the volume of a liquid in a measuring cylinder.
- Measure 50ml of water using the measuring cylinders provided.
- Identify three examples of volume measurements they might see in their daily lives.
- Convert 250ml to centiliters.
- Explain why accurate measurement of volume is important when taking medicine.
Differentiation:
Advanced learners will be challenged with conversion problems between different volume units. Struggling learners will receive additional support with hands-on practice using measuring cylinders with clearly marked increments. Visual learners will benefit from the charts and demonstrations, while kinesthetic learners will engage through practical measuring activities.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan:
Ensure all measuring containers are transparent for clear visibility. Consider using colored water to make the meniscus more visible. Prepare graduated containers ahead of time. If authentic measuring cylinders are not available, repurpose clear containers by marking accurate measurements on them. Connect the lesson to local contexts by using familiar containers like soft drink bottles or medicine cups.