316 Packing a Suitcase

    To download and use MTS Activities you must Subscribe or create a Trial account.

Teacher Notes


Printer Friendly
Activity OutcomeUsing comparative language associated with volume (fits, empty, nearly full...). Estimating and measuring the volume of a suitcase by observing the number of informal objects (clothes) that fit inside (all, nearly all, half, some most...).
MTS Set MTS1
NATIONAL Curriculum Using Units of Measurement
Topics Direct Measure
Understand Units
Estimate
Volume and Capacity
Keywords Volume and Capacity
GroupingSmall groups
Resources5 or 6 suitcases of different sizes and shapes. Dress-up clothes for 5 or 6 groups (towels and sheets would also help fill the suitcases).
Lesson Notes
  • Children require the opportunity to freely play with and explore filling containers such as suitcases with clothes, school bags, sporting equipment...
  • Provide children with a copy of the activity sheet and ask the focus questions.
  • Also ask questions such as: Is it better to fold/roll clothes before they go in a suitcase? Why? Can you show me how to fold/roll a shirt? How should you stack clothes in a suitcase? Can you show me? Which clothes will take up the most space? Least space? Can you tell me about a time you had to help pack clothes in a case?
  • Direct children to the activity sheet and ask: Suitcases often look much the same but are different sizes. Can you draw a picture to show 3 suitcases that look the same but are different sizes?
  • Move around the class and ask: This is your big suitcase. Is it longer/wider/deeper than the other cases? Which suitcase has the most space? Least space?
  • Place children into groups, each with a small suitcase and a set of dress-up clothes. Direct groups to the 'Find Out' question and ask: Will all the clothes pack into the suitcase? Decide as a group and then put a tick in the box to show what your group thinks.
  • Direct groups to fold/roll clothes neatly to pack them into the suitcase.
  • Provide the opportunity for groups to share findings around the class.
ReflectionsAsk: How well did you get on as a group packing your suitcase? Do you think your group packed the clothes neatly? What would your parents think of your packing?
Internet Links
AnswersNot applicable