A YUMMY Hands-On Measuring Lesson!

In our experience, preschoolers just love being given the opportunity to do things for themselves {especially if the task is viewed as a "grown-up" activity}. This hands-on lesson provides an awesome opportunity for your students to explore the concept of measuring and sequencing, while also making a fun and refreshing treat "on their own"!

Fruit Smoothie Measuring Activity

To begin, find a simple fruit smoothie recipe like the one below and gather the ingredients (preparing the fruit so that it's ready to use).

Banana-Berry Smoothie

• 1 - 1/4 cups orange juice
• 1 - 1/4 cups frozen mixed berries
• 1 cup sliced ripe banana
• 1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
• 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk
• 1 Tbsp sugar

*Cooking Light, October 2001

[NOTE: You'll want to thaw the berries enough so that they're not clumped together and students can measure them properly, but remain frozen enough to add the right texture to the smoothie.]

Since the smoothie recipe makes three servings, divide your students into groups of three. Invite one group at a time to come to the "cooking station", providing the group with a plastic cup and marker to label with their names. Have students take turns measuring out the different ingredients, placing them in the plastic cup. Once each group has had a chance to complete the hands-on activity, blend the smoothie mixtures while the students complete a write-up of the exercise at their desk (i.e. the ingredients measured, tools used, etc.).

Sampling & Discussing

With smoothies in hand, discuss with your students the measuring process. Ask them to think about what the smoothie would have tasted like if an ingredient had been left out or even 'mismeasured'. Explain to your students that in many cases - cooking, construction, and engineering, to name a few - accuracy is important for a successful outcome. Discuss with your students how they can make sure their measurements are accurate:

• Use the proper tool.
• Check and double-check your work.
• If following a recipe or a series of steps, place a check mark beside each ingredient/step as you go along to ensure that each is completed (and in the right order!).

Considerations:

• Invite a parent or student aid to help facilitate the activity and quiet time.
• Check to make sure the activity will not interfere/induce student allergies.
• Create a guided activity write-up form for students to complete (see below).

However your lesson comes together, your students are sure to have a blast with this hands-on exploration of measuring!