Lesson: Measuring Liquid Volume

DO NOW: Define volume.  Review. (The amount of space an object takes up)

STATE:  In today's class we are going to learn about the tool used to measure the volume of a liquid.  Just like when you use a ruler to measure length, scientists use graduated cylinders to measure the volume of a liquid.  Before you can actually use a grauated cylinder, it is important to know how to read one.  Today we will learn how to read a graduated cylinder and tomorrow we will practice using real ones.

NEXT: Show students a graduated cylinder and explain that it's basically a ruler that measures in 3 dimensions, as opposed to a ruler, which only measures 1 dimension.  Again, reiterate that volume is a 3-d measurement.  Explain that the basic unit for volume is liter (L) and that most graduated cylinders measure in milliliters (mL).

MODEL to students:

Give (Student worksheet 1) to class and model several examples to the class. 

Step 1: Identify the scale of the graduated cylinder.  Is each line worth .1mL, 1mL, 2mL? 

Step 2: Look at the bottom of the menicus to take the reading to determine the volume of the liquid.

NEXT: Have students practice by completing (Classwork worksheet 1) with a partner.  Review with class.

Check for understanding: Circulate around the room and have students tell you the volume of different graduated cylinders.

Homework: (Homework sheet 1)