Measuring cups and fractions: a no-cook recipe for 4th grade
What it is: a 4th grade life skills and math activity where small groups follow a no-cook recipe, such as fruit and yogurt parfaits, using measuring cups and spoons, then rewrite the recipe for twice as many people. Fractions become something students can see and taste.
Time: about 40 minutes. Grade: 4th grade.
Materials: measuring cups (1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4) and spoons, plain yogurt, oats or granola without nuts, fruit an adult has already cut, cups and spoons for serving, and a recipe card per group.
- Check the class allergy list before choosing ingredients, and have everyone wash their hands.
- Show the measuring cups. Ask: "How many 1/4 cups fill a 1/2 cup?" Test with water or oats.
- Groups read the recipe and measure each ingredient, saying the fraction aloud.
- Groups build their parfaits and enjoy them.
- On paper, groups double the recipe for twice as many people and check their fractions with the cups.
Safety: check allergies first (no nuts), an adult cuts all fruit, and serve only food that families have approved.
Differentiation: students who need support measure with whole and half cups only. Students who are ready halve the recipe as well as doubling it. English learners can use the words cup, half, quarter, third and double.
Quick check: ask a student how much yogurt they would need if the recipe calls for 3/4 cup and they double it.
Need it for another grade or subject? Ask us on the request page and our team will write it.
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About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 30, 2026
- Type
- Lesson plan
- Grade
- Grades 3–5
- Subject
- Math, Life skills & money
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.