Wildlife Clinic Weigh-In: Measuring Mass and Liquid Volume in Metric Units
Shared by A STEM Educator
Students will identify and use standard metric units (grams, kilograms, liters) to measure and estimate mass and liquid volume, read labeled scale diagrams, and solve one-step word problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division of mass or volume within 1,000.
Lesson Overview
Students progress from identifying appropriate metric units for mass and liquid volume to solving one-step word problems, using a wildlife rehabilitation center context. Groups work at vertical non-permanent surfaces (VNPS) to build shared reasoning about scale, unit selection, and measurement reading.
Materials
- Vertical whiteboards or large chart paper posted on walls
- Dry-erase markers (one per group member) and erasers
- Random grouping cards (e.g., animal name cards — owl, fox, turtle)
- Printed static diagrams of graduated cylinders and balance scales (one set per group, taped to board area)
- Sticky notes for estimations
- Class anchor chart: metric unit reference (g, kg, L)
Scaffolded Task Progression
- The mass of a baby turtle
- The amount of water in a turtle's tank
- The mass of a large tortoise
For each one, choose the BEST unit from this list: grams (g), kilograms (kg), liters (L).
Write your choices on your board and explain WHY each unit fits.
[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]
1. A hummingbird has a mass of ___
2. A red fox has a mass of ___
3. A pelican's water dish holds ___
4. A black bear cub has a mass of ___
5. A small lizard has a mass of ___
Be ready to defend your choices to another group!
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