Virginia SOL 2.MG.1.b.iii
The Standard
the liquid volume of a container to the nearest cup, using a measuring cup.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will reason mathematically using standard units (U.S. Customary) with appropriate tools to estimate, measure, and compare objects by length, weight, and liquid volume to the nearest whole unit.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students predict how many cups a container will hold. They use a 1-cup measuring cup, report the closest whole cup, and compare the result with their estimate.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students make a sensible estimate based on the container’s size. They measure carefully, track each cup, handle the final partial cup, and explain whether their estimate was close.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume a taller container always holds more than a shorter one. They may count partial cups as full cups, lose track of pours, or ignore spills. Some give an estimate without checking whether it is close to the measured amount.
How to Assess It
- Prepare a pitcher with 2 3/4 cups of colored water. Have students estimate, measure with a 1-cup measure, report 3 cups, and judge their estimate.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Fill several labeled containers with colored water, then have pairs predict and measure each capacity using a 1-cup measuring cup.
Ask, “Could a tall, narrow jar hold less than a short, wide bowl?” Have students defend answers with measurements.
Play Capacity Match: students pair container picture cards with estimate cards, then test selected matches at a water station.
Measure water for a four-cup lemonade recipe, then choose a pitcher that will hold the full batch without spilling.
Free download
Printable 2.MG.1.b.iii Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 2.MG.1.b.iii, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- 4.MG.1.b.iii
liquid volume to the nearest U.S. Customary unit (cup, pint, quart, gallon) and nearest metric unit (milliliter, liter).
- 2.MG.1.a.iii
identifying different types of measuring cups as instruments to measure liquid volume.
- 3.MG.1.b.iii
liquid volume to the nearest U.S. Customary unit (cup, pint, quart, gallon) and metric unit (liter).
- 4.MG.1.d.iii
liquid volume (cups, pints, quarts, and gallons).
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.