To ensure this lesson works as described, open the scene file named Liquid_Simulation_1.mb. This file is in the GettingStarted directory that you set as your Maya project:

GettingStarted/nParticles/Liquid_Simulation_1.mb

This scene includes textured polygon models including a desk, water pitcher, and water glass. The water pitcher mesh is animated to lift off the desk, tip to pour water into the glass, then set back down on the desktop.