- containers
- cups
- funnels of various shapes and sizes
- big
- how many
- less
- little
- more
- water
MA Standards:
Mathematics/Counting and Cardinality/PK.CC.MA.4: Count many kinds of concrete objects and actions up to ten, using one-to-one correspondence, and accurately count as many as seven things in a scattered configuration.
Mathematics/Counting and Cardinality/PK.CC.MA.5: Use comparative language, such as more/less, equal to, to compare and describe collections of objects
Head Start Outcomes:
Logic and Reasoning/Reasoning and Problem Solving: Classifies, compares, and contrasts objects, events, and experiences.
Science Knowledge/Scientific Skills and Method: Uses senses and tools, including technology, to gather information, investigate materials, and observe processes and relationships.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
Mathematics/Number Sense 2: Connect many kinds/quantities of concrete objects and actions to numbers.
Mathematics/Measurement 14: Use nonstandard units to measure length, weight, and amount of content in familiar objects.
How Much Water?
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
Skill Focus: Math (Measuring, Capacity, Counting), Compare and Contrast, Vocabulary
Educator Prep: Cover the floor with plastic. Put newspapers or towels on top. Provide water smocks (garbage bags with holes for head and arms work well). Set guidelines about splashing.
Set up a water station for children where they can move water between containers. Have children count how many little cups it takes to fill a bigger cup of water. After they become familiar with the containers, introduce bigger cups and have them compare to make predictions about how many little cups it will take to fill the bigger cups.
Safety Note: Be sure to clean and disinfect the water table and the plastic containers daily and fill the table with fresh water each day.