L7 Compare Capacity

Year 2 Spring Term Measurement – Lesson 7: Compare Capacity Lesson Overview: In this Working Without Worksheets lesson, Year 2 pupils develop their understanding of capacity by comparing how much different containers can hold. The lesson begins with children discussing which containers hold more or less, before revisiting the meaning of comparison symbols (<, >, =). Through hands-on investigations, pupils predict, test, and record comparisons of capacity using cups, bowls, jugs, and bottles. The lesson concludes with children ordering containers from smallest to greatest capacity, reinforcing accurate vocabulary and reasoning skills. What’s Included in the Pack? ✔ Full lesson plan with clear objectives, teaching notes, and plenary guidance ✔ Animated teaching slides introducing capacity and comparison symbols ✔ Starter: Compare containers by sight and discuss which hold more/less ✔ Teaching input: Revise comparison symbols (<, >, =) in relation to capacity ✔ Main activity: – Predict which container holds more/less – Test using water and record comparison sentences in maths books – Repeat with multiple sets of containers ✔ Plenary: Order containers from smallest to largest capacity, explaining reasoning ✔ Guidance on misconceptions: tall ≠ more, full ≠ greater than half-full, using correct vocabulary ✔ Practical, hands-on, and worksheet-free learning Why Teachers Love This Resource ✔ Builds clear understanding of comparing and ordering capacity ✔ Practical water-based activities keep learning engaging and memorable ✔ Strengthens use of mathematical vocabulary and comparison symbols ✔ Tackles common misconceptions about size, fullness, and capacity ✔ Fully aligned with Year 2 National Curriculum objectives and Working Without Worksheets pedagogy Curriculum Links (Year 2 Measurement, National Curriculum) This lesson helps children to: ✔ Compare and order capacity using practical equipment ✔ Record comparisons using mathematical symbols (<, >, =) ✔ Apply vocabulary: cap