Students will directly compare the capacity of two containers by pouring and observing, using vocabulary like "holds more," "holds less," and "holds the same."

Capacity is how much a container can hold. At the Pre-K level, children explore capacity through hands-on pouring and filling activities.

Direct Comparison

To compare capacity, children pour from one container to another:
- Fill one container
- Pour it into the second container
- Observe what happens

If it doesn't all fit → first container holds more
If it all fits with room left → first container holds less
If it all fits perfectly → they hold the same

Vocabulary Development

Holds more: Container has greater capacity
Holds less: Container has smaller capacity
Holds the same: Containers have equal capacity
Full: Container is filled to capacity
Empty: Container has nothing in it
Overflow: Too much to fit; spills out

Materials for Comparing

Containers: cups, bowls, bottles, buckets, pitchers
Filling materials: water, sand, rice, beans, small blocks

Capacity is essential for:
- Cooking and baking
- Pouring drinks
- Understanding containers
- Science experiments
- Everyday problem-solving

Hands-On Exploration

1. Provide two different containers
2. Provide filling material (sand or water)
3. Let children fill one container
4. Have them pour into the other
5. Observe and discuss what happens

Guided Questions

• "What happened when you poured?"
• "Did it all fit?"
• "Is there room for more?"
• "Did it overflow?"
• "Which holds more?"
• "How do you know?"

Multiple Comparisons

Children need many experiences:
- Compare different-sized containers
- Try different materials (sand vs. water)
- Use various types of containers
- Sometimes use very different sizes, sometimes similar

• Comparing cup sizes at snack time
• Filling containers at the water table
• Pouring sand or beans in sensory bins
• Using pitchers and cups
• Bath time: pouring with containers

Tall = Holds more
Children may think taller containers always hold more, but a wide, short bowl might hold more than a tall, thin bottle.

Same amount = Same shape
Children might think only identical containers can hold the same amount.

Solution: Provide many direct comparisons with varied shapes

Mastery indicators:
- Correctly identifies which holds more after pouring
- Uses vocabulary appropriately
- Can explain reasoning: "This one overflowed" or "There's room left"
- Makes predictions before testing

Support:
- Use very different-sized containers (obvious differences)
- Provide hand-over-hand pouring assistance
- Start with just two containers
- Use consistent containers initially

Extension:
- Compare three containers: most, least, medium
- Find containers that hold the same amount
- Estimate before pouring
- Count how many small cups fill a large container

Families can practice:
- Bath time pouring games
- Kitchen helping: measuring cups
- Water play outdoors
- Comparing container sizes
- Pouring drinks

• Supervise water activities closely
• Have towels ready for spills
• Use unbreakable containers
• Consider using sand or rice instead of water for less mess
• Ensure proper drainage in water play areas