Half Full, Half Empty

It is helpful to explore whole numbers and fractions through measurement and estimation. Children can see relationships and the usefulness of studying fractions.

What you'll need

Clear container with straight sides, that holds at least 4 cups

Masking tape


Marker

Measuring cup with 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 cup measures on it

Uncooked rice, popcorn kernels, or water

Other containers with which to compare

What to do

1. Have your child run a piece of masking tape up the side of the container so that it is straight from the bottom to the top.

2. For younger children, use a 1-cup measure. For older children, use a 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 cup measure. Pour the chosen amount of a substance listed above into the container.

3. Mark the level of the jar on the masking tape by drawing a line with a marker and writing 1 for one cup or 1/2, 1/4, or 1/8 on the line.

4. Follow this procedure until the container is full, and the tape is marked in increments to the top of the container. Now, the jar is marked evenly to measure the capacity of other containers.

5. While filling different containers, ask your child "thinking" questions.

How many whole cups do you think this container will hold?

How many 1/2, 1/4, or 1/8 cups do you think the container will hold?

How many 1/2 cups equal a cup?

How many 1/4 cups equal a 1/2-cup? A cup? How many 1/8 cups equal a 1/4-cup? A 1/2-cup? A 1/8-cup?

This activity provides a "hands-on" opportunity for children to experience fractions while making connections to the real world.