Volume and Capacity Exploration

Year 4 Maths – Litres and Millilitres

Name:

Date:

Group:

Measuring jugs and containers illustration

💡 Key Ideas

Volume is the amount of space inside a container. Capacity is how much liquid a container can hold.

📏 Remember: 1 litre (L) = 1000 millilitres (mL) | Half a litre = 500 mL

🔍 Part 1: Estimate and Measure

Look at each container your group has been given. First estimate, then measure the actual capacity using the measuring jug. Record your results below.

Container A – Name or describe it: _________________________

My estimate: __________ L / mL Actual measurement: __________ L / mL

Container B – Name or describe it: _________________________

My estimate: __________ L / mL Actual measurement: __________ L / mL

Container C – Name or describe it: _________________________

My estimate: __________ L / mL Actual measurement: __________ L / mL

Container D – Name or describe it: _________________________

My estimate: __________ L / mL Actual measurement: __________ L / mL

📊 Part 2: Compare and Order

1. Order your containers from smallest to largest capacity. Write the container letters in order.

Smallest ______ ______ ______ ______ Largest

2. Which container had the biggest difference between your estimate and the actual measurement?

3. Circle the correct answer: Which is the larger amount?

500 mL

1 L

They are the same

⭐ Part 3: Conversion Challenge

Convert these millilitre amounts into litres using decimals. The first one is done for you!

4. Convert to litres:

500 mL = 0.5 L (done for you!)

750 mL = __________ L

250 mL = __________ L

1500 mL = __________ L

5. A juice bottle holds 1.25 L. How many millilitres is that? Show your working.

✏️ Part 4: Reflection

6. Write a sentence about how close your estimates were to the actual measurements. Use words like about, close to, more than, less than.

7. Why is it useful to estimate before you measure?

8. Can you think of a time at home when knowing about litres and millilitres would be helpful? Give one example.

🌟 Bonus: At home tonight, find one container (e.g., a bottle, a jug, or a pot). Estimate its capacity, then check the label. How close were you? Tell your class tomorrow!