Gallon Man

ObjectiveStudents will work with the “Gallon Man” mnemonic to familiarize themselves with the English measurement system. Will use some multiplication/division.

CA Standards--Second Grade

  • Adding and subtracting using multiples to multiply/divide
  • Recognize, name, and compare unit fractions
  • Solves problems using data from charts, pictures and graphs.

CA Standards--Third Grade

  • Measurement using metric and English units
  • Add, multiply, subtract, divide using volumes
  • Basic Multiplication and Division

Materials

Make 1/2 the recipe to make 7 cups of liquid.

  • Blender, extension cord
  • Small waxed bathroom-sized disposable cups to sample
  • 1 pint (2 cup) measuring cup, measuring spoon
  • 2 quart pitcher
  • Extra liquids container: gallon, +/- quart
  • Spoon

Ingredients: milk, water, ice cubes, sugar, frozen orange juice concentrate

Procedures

  1. Introduce the idea that measurement is useful because people need consistency.
  2. Compare the size of your hand to one of the student’s. Ask how a building that was 10 feet by 10 feet would work if using the teacher’s feet and the student’s feet.
  3. Discuss that the metric system is much easier because based on the number 10 and used by scientists and by most of the other countries all over the world. All you need to know are meters for length, grams for weight and liters for liquids.
  4. Show sizes of various containers: gallon, pint and quart +/- 2 quart.
  5. Introduce gallon man by showing large picture and working through the ingredient portion of the worksheet.
  6. Follow the recipe for Orange Frosts. While the recipe is being made, have the kids complete the rest of the worksheet.

Orange Frosts (Makes 7 cups)

Ingredients:

2 cups milk

1 cup water

1 cup ice cubes

3 Tbsp. sugar

1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a blender, process until frothy and the ice cubes are chopped.