Let’s learn about measuring ingredients for cooking!
First, read the following words out loud to a grown up:
cup
spoon
teaspoon
tablespoon
pint
quart
half
gallon
pound
ounces
Next, we’re going to learn about abbreviations. An abbreviation is a shorter
way of writing a word. In many recipes, you will not see the entire word
spelled out like you see above.
teaspoon = tsp.
tablespoon = tbs.
ounces = oz.
pound = lb.
Did you know? We did not always have standard size measuring spoons. Do you remember learning
about how to set the table properly? We don’t tend to be as formal about setting the table for
meals anymore but it does help you to understand measurement in cooking better.
A teaspoon was the spoon you used for stirring your sugar into your tea. If a recipe called for one
teaspoon of vanilla, it meant you would use the spoon you used for your tea to measure out the
vanilla.
A tablespoon was the spoon you used for your meal such as soup. If a recipe called for one
tablespoon of vanilla, it meant you would use the spoon you used for your soup to measure out the
vanilla.
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Do you remember the abbreviations for teaspoon, tablespoon, ounces, and
pound?
Write the abbreviation for each word below.
1. ounces = __________
2. tablespoon = __________
3. pound = __________
4. teaspoon = __________
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Get out your measuring cups and measuring spoons and put them at the
kitchen table in front of you.
Next, get a medium size bowl and fill it most of the way with water. Place
the bowl of water next to your measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Read the following questions and answer them AFTER you have followed the
instructions below. When you are done with the water, pour it on the plants
in your garden or ask your parent if they want to use it for making pasta.
1. Using your 1/4 measuring cup, how many scoops of water does it take to fill
up your 1 cup? ________
2. Using your 1/3 measuring cup, how many scoops of water does it take to
fill your 1 cup? ________
3. Using your 1/2 measuring cup, how many scoops of water does it take to
fill your 1 cup? ________
4. Using your 1/4 measuring cup, how many scoops of water does it take to
fill your 1/2 cup? ________
5. Using your 1/4 measuring spoon, how many scoops of water does it take to
fill your 1 teaspoon? ________
6. Using your 1/2 measuring spoon, how many scoops of water does it take to
fill your 1 teaspoon? ________
7. Using your 1/4 measuring spoon, how many scoops of water does it take to
fill your 1/2 teaspoon? ________
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Mom gave you permission to make a batch of cookies. The recipe calls for 1
cup of sugar.
1. If you only have a 1/4 measuring cup, how many scoops of sugar would you
need? ________
2. If you only have a 1/2 measuring cup, how many scoops of sugar would you
need? ________
3. If you only have a 1/3 measuring cup, how many scoops of sugar would you
need? ________
Your cookie recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
4. If you only have a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, how many times will you
need to fill the measuring spoon with vanilla? ________
5. If you only have a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon, how many times will you
need to fill the measuring spoon with vanilla? ________
6. If you only have a 1/3 teaspoon measuring spoon, how many times will you
need to fill the measuring spoon with vanilla? ________
7. If 3 teaspoons equals 1 tablespoon, how many teaspoons of vanilla would
you need if the recipe called for 2 tablespoons of vanilla? ________
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2 cups = 1 pint
4 pints = 1 quart
2 quarts = 1 half gallon
2 half gallons = 1 gallon
For the teacher: The purpose of this activity is to give a visual cue for the
measurements above. If you have a pint, quart, half gallon, and gallon size
containers, this would be best to demonstrate it.
Get out a large glass drinking cup, a big pitcher, and your measuring cups. Fill
a large bowl most of the way with water. When you are done with the water,
pour it on the plants in your garden or ask your parent if they want to use it
for pasta.
1. Scoop 2 cups of water and pour it into the large drinking glass. This is
_____ pint of water.
2. Scoop 2 cups of water and pour it into the large drinking glass. Then pour
the large drinking glass into the pitcher. Do this 4 times. This is 1 quart.
How many cups of water did you scoop in all? _____
3. How many quarts equal 1 gallon? _____
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