Volume (also called capacity) is a quantification of how much space an object occupies. The volume of a solid object is a numerical value given to describe the three-dimensional concept of how much space it occupies. One-dimensional objects(such as lines) and two-dimensional objects(such as squares) are assigned zero volume in three-dimensional space.
Capacity and volume can be distinguished; capacity being used for how much a container can hold(with contents measured commonly in litres or its derive units), volume for how much space an object displaces(commonly measured in cubic meters or its derived units)
MISCONCEPTION ON CAPACITY
Many children come to school with some concept of length and some vocabulary associated with it. And not much knowledge about capacity. Perceptual comparisons can be made between two containers, young children often make comparison on length (to be exact, the height) rather than on capacity. When asked which holds more, the tall container or a short container , most children will choose the taller container even if the shorter one actually holds more. It is best to use direct comparisons.
One of the measurable attribute in KBSR mathematics Year 2 is the measurement of volume of liquid. A systematic conceptual development will indeed help student learn the topic on liquid measurement more effectively. Based on the measuring process, the following are suggested as pedagogical development for the topic volume of liquid in Year 2:
- Identifying the attribute for the volume of liquid
- Direct comparisons of volumes of liquid
- Indirect comparisons of volumes of liquid through a reference
- Identifying instruments used as non-standard measurements for volumes of liquid
- Measuring volumes of liquid using non-standard measurements
- Introducing standard measurements for volumes of liquid
- Measuring volumes of liquid using standard measurements in litres(l).
