Students estimate the volume of the taller cylinder in cubic centimeters, then fill it with centimeter cubes to test their estimate. Students then predict whether the volume of the shorter cylinder is greater than or less than the volume of the taller cylinder. Students slide the shorter cylinder over the taller one, lift the taller one so that the cubes spill into the shorter one, and observe the results. Students discuss why they think the results turned out the way they did, e.g. the effect the sizes of the height and base of the cylinders have on the amount of cubes the cylinder can hold. The student applies measurement concepts.
Students bend one of the paper clips to form a hook to attach the cup to one end of a rubber band.
They attach the other end of the rubber band to the other paper clip that is taped to the table or desk. Students first measure the length of the rubber band with just the empty cup attached. Then they put two pennies in the cup at a time, each time measuring the length of the rubber band after the pennies have been added. Students compare the results for the different rubber bands and write summary statements of their observations. Clarifying Activity Students estimate the capacity of their lungs and discuss a variety of possible ways to measure it.