Module 2
1. Module 2
1.11. Lesson 3
Module 2: The Imperial System
Lesson 3: Volume and Capacity
Focus
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Modern home design incorporates energy conservation. What could you do in your own home to minimize energy consumption?
Marlene and her class are discussing ways people can reduce the amount of energy used in their homes. One student’s suggestion was to turn down the thermostat to a cooler, but still comfortable, temperature.
Marlene added that in her home, her mother installed a thermostat that automatically changes the setting to a cooler temperature at night when everyone in the home is asleep. Marlene said her mother monitored the amount of natural gas the family used to heat their home this February as compared to previous years, and the family noticed a significant saving.
When the teacher asked Marlene how much natural gas they used in February, Marlene said her mom reads the gas meter at the beginning and end of the month. This year, in February, Marlene’s family only used 20 000 cubic feet—almost 1800 cubic feet less than last year!
Peter interrupted, “Cubic feet? What’s a cubic foot? We don’t use feet and inches very often.” The teacher replied that the cubic foot is a unit of volume in the imperial system, and many gas meters still measure the volume of gas consumed in that unit.
Then the class turned to how much 20 000 cubic feet was and how many times you could fill the classroom with 20 000 cubic feet of air!
In this lesson you will explore the following questions:
- How are volumes and capacity commonly measured in the imperial system?
- What is the history of volume and capacity units in the imperial system?
- How are volume and capacity units in the imperial system related?
- How are volume and capacity units in the imperial system applied in practical situations?
Assessment
You will complete the Lesson 3 Assignment Booklet for assessment. Download the Lesson 3 Assignment Booklet and save it in your course folder now. You will receive further instructions on how to complete the Assignment Booklet later in this lesson.
Remember to save all activities, including those that are not part of the Assignment, in your course folder.
Required Materials and Equipment
You will need a ruler, a tape measure that shows feet and inches, and your estimation skills.