Reception Maths – Spring Block 2: Mass and Capacity

In Spring Block 2: Mass and Capacity, pupils will explore two important concepts in early measurement: mass (how heavy or light something is) and capacity (how much something can hold). Through hands-on activities and practical experiences, pupils will develop a strong understanding of these concepts and how to compare different quantities. This unit provides opportunities for pupils to investigate mass and capacity in real-world contexts, using everyday objects to deepen their learning. The unit aligns with the White Rose progression, ensuring a smooth, structured approach to developing key measurement skills.

 Week 3: Comparing Mass and Capacity

In this week, pupils will focus on comparing mass and capacity, with activities designed to help them understand these concepts through direct experience.

– Compare mass – Pupils will begin by comparing the mass of objects, understanding which ones are heavier or lighter. They will use their senses to make these comparisons and will also use balance scales to measure and compare mass. This hands-on activity helps them connect the concept of mass with real objects, building their ability to understand and describe weight.
– Make it balance – Pupils will engage in activities where they need to balance objects on a scale. By placing objects of different masses on either side of a balance scale, pupils will learn how to compare the mass of objects and understand the concept of balance. This practical exploration reinforces the idea that when two objects weigh the same, the scale will be balanced.
– Explore capacity – In this activity, pupils will explore the concept of capacity, which refers to how much a container can hold. Pupils will use different containers and materials, such as water or sand, to investigate which containers hold more or less. This activity helps pupils understand the idea of capacity through tangible, hands-on experiences.
– Compare capacity – Finally, pupils will compare the capacity of different containers, exploring which holds more or less. By using terms like “full,” “empty,” “half full,” and “more,” pupils will begin to develop a sense of the relative capacity of containers. This activity encourages them to use language to describe what they observe and compare the amounts in different containers.

Meeting the Early Learning Goals (ELG)

This unit is designed to help pupils meet the Early Learning Goal (ELG) for measurement, focusing on comparing quantities up to 10. By the end of this unit, pupils will have developed the ability to compare mass and capacity in different contexts.

– Compare quantities up to 10 in different contexts – Pupils will learn to compare the mass and capacity of objects using numbers up to 10. They will recognise when one quantity is greater than, less than, or the same as another.
– Recognise when one quantity is greater than, less than, or the same as the other quantity – By exploring mass and capacity, pupils will develop an understanding of comparative language, such as heavier, lighter, more, and less, which are essential for describing and comparing quantities.

Why This Unit Matters

Understanding mass and capacity is essential for developing early measurement skills. These concepts form the basis for more advanced measurement and problem-solving skills later in a child’s education. By engaging in practical activities where pupils compare and explore mass and capacity, they build critical thinking skills and develop the language needed to describe their findings.

This unit also introduces pupils to the idea of measurement, a key concept in both mathematics and the real world. Through activities like balancing scales and filling containers with different substances, pupils learn how to observe, measure, and compare quantities. These activities foster an early understanding of how measurements work and how they can be applied to real-life situations.

Aligned with the White Rose Progression

Aligned with the White Rose progression, this unit takes a structured approach to teaching measurement. By focusing on mass and capacity, pupils develop their understanding of quantity and measurement in a way that is gradual and accessible. The hands-on activities support pupils’ learning by providing real-world contexts for measurement, reinforcing the idea that maths is not just abstract, but something that can be observed and applied in everyday life.

Conclusion

Through practical, engaging activities, this unit of learning helps Reception pupils explore and understand the concepts of mass and capacity. The unit builds the skills needed to compare quantities up to 10, laying the foundation for more complex mathematical thinking in the future. By developing an early understanding of measurement, pupils will be well-prepared to tackle more advanced mathematical concepts as they progress in their learning.