Bennie sets four cups on the counter, big to small. "One cup, one half, one third, one quarter," he says.
Lucy peers into the biggest one. "Why so many sizes? Could you just guess?"
Bennie shakes his head. "A snack mix needs the right amounts. Too much of one thing and the mix is all wrong." He picks up the half cup and fills it with water, right to the line.
Measuring cups come in a set. Each one holds an exact amount when it is full.
The usual sizes are one cup, one half, one third and one quarter.
Two half cups fill one cup. Four quarter cups fill one cup. Three third cups fill one cup.
| Cup | How many fill one cup? |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1 |
| 1/2 cup | 2 |
| 1/3 cup | 3 |
| 1/4 cup | 4 |
Dry things like cereal are scooped. Fill the cup over the top, then level it.
To level, slide the flat handle of a spoon across the rim. The extra falls back in the box.
Wet things like water are poured. Set the cup on the counter and pour to the line.
Bend down so your eyes are level with the line. Looking from above fools you.
| Statement | True or false? |
|---|---|
| Three third cups fill one cup. | ? |
| Dry things are poured to the line. | ? |
| You level a dry cup with a flat spoon handle. | ? |
| Four quarter cups fill one cup. | ? |
Great measuring! Tomorrow the little spoons come out, and the mixing bowl too.