Year 3 - Maths
Comparing and estimating mass and volume
Measures: mass and capacity
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will use weighing scales up to 1kg and measuring tools for volume and capacity up to 1 litre. They will measure mass from 0 to above 1kg using whole kg and grams and measure volume from 0 to above 1 litre using whole litres and ml.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to compare objects with ones you know to estimate mass and volume.
Key Notes
- The size of something does not determine how much mass (or matter) an object has.
- Taller containers do not always hold a greater volume of liquid.
- If you know the mass and volume of some objects, it is easier to estimate others by comparing them.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Estimate: An estimate is a given value, number or quantity that is near to the true amount; it is a number close enough to the right answer.
- Mass: Mass is a measure of how much matter something contains. It is measured by how much something weighs. Mass can be measured in g or kg.
- Volume: Volume is the specific amount of liquid in a container. Volume can be measured in millilitres or litres.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Larger objects have a greater mass. Taller containers have a greater capacity and/or volume.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The size of something does not determine how much mass (or matter) an object has. Taller containers do not always hold a greater volume of liquid.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Estimate'
An estimate is a given value, number or quantity that is near to the true amount; it is a number close enough to the right answer. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Larger objects have a greater mass. Taller containers have a greater capacity and/or volume. Correction: The size of something does not determine how much mass an object has; taller containers may be narrower and so may not hold as much liquid.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Become familiar with scales with different intervals when measuring in grams Study Guide
- Estimate then measure mass and volume and record in a table Study Guide
- Measure mass in whole kilograms and grams Study Guide
- Measure the mass of objects using grams Study Guide
- Measure volume in whole litres and millilitres Study Guide
- Measuring the volume of liquids using millilitres. Study Guide
- Solve problems involving mass Study Guide
- Solve problems involving volume Study Guide
- Understanding capacity and volume Study Guide
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