Kids make and compare line graphs as determined by the shapes of different bottles, and make predictions about which bottles match which groups.

Prep: On a sheet of paper plot numbers 0-20 on the horizontal axis and label "Number of Measures." Plot numbers 0-20 on the vertical axis and label it "Height of Water in Centimeters." This will serve as your activity sheet.

Step 1: Distribute copies of the activity sheet. Select two straight-sided different shaped containers, such as an 18-ounce peanut butter jar and a pint-size deli container.

Step 2: Pour water into the container one measure at a time. After each pour record the height of the water with a ruler and mark it on the graph. Do this until the water reaches the top of the jar. As the line grows on the graph make predictions about how the final line may look.

Step 3: Compare your graph with your predictions.

Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3. How are the graphs alike? How are they different?

Download the "Fill 'Er Up " activity in a PDF format.

Cyberchase
Weekdays at 5:30 PM

Connecting the activity with the program:
Something is amiss with the bliss of Sensible Flats. The reservoir is dry. The town is out of water. And the folks who live there are leaving as fast as they can. But why? When the kids and Digit arrive, they use line graphs to reveal the true story of what happened — and all the lines lead to Hacker, the newest resident of Sensible Flats.