Volume of Liquid : Which Container has more volume?

The confusion in determining which containers hold more volume of liquid amongst the students are based of their own observation if we are using non-standard containers.

For example, which container hold more volume of liquid based on the illustrated figure below:

Which one holds more volume right or left container?

Usually, students will pick the larger container as they perceived the larger container holds more liquid than the smaller ones. It is correct if the amount of liquid occupies the whole container. But, if the volume of liquid  only occupies partly of the space it can only be determined through two methods:


(a) Uniform Non-Standard Measurement 


This exercise can be simply measured by paper cups or other available materials to determine which containers holds more liquid.




The students can measure the amount of volume by using how many paper cups in container A and B. The more number of cups will give the answer of which containers holds more volume of liquid.

100ml paper cup

100 ml paper cup

This simple activity is crucial to assist the students' confusion on which containers hold more amount of liquid.

Let's measure which container has more amount of liquid.


1. The students will be divided into 2 main groups of 5 students each and will be given a paper
    cups which can hold 100 mililitres of liquid (each full cup).


2. Group A will be given the task to measure the volume of container A on the left and the other
    group will be given the task to measure the container B.

3. Each group will elect or choose amongst themselves a student to record the finding using a work sheet.


4. Then the students will begin measuring the volume in the container A and B


5. At the end of this exercise the group leader will announce, how many paper cups for each 
    container. Based on the quantity of cups, the teacher will ask the students which container
    holds more liquid. 


                                                          A                               B    

 Container A  = 5 Paper cups or 500 mililitres

 Container B  = 8 paper cups or 800 mililitres

Therefore, container B hold more amount of liquids than container B.

(b) Using Standard Measurement

The experiment can be done using different method through using the standard measuring equipment to determine the amount of liquid for each container.

1.  The teacher will introduce the buret to the students and give brief examination's on the features of a buret and its functions.

2.  Each group will know experienced the fun of measuring using the standard equipments to 

     determine which container holds more liquid

3.  The students will pour the amount in container A and B into two different measuring 

     equipments to derive to their observation and conclusion

B= 800ml

Container A = 500 ml

Happy learning.... it is fun right!