Curated OER
Algebraic Reasoning: Balance Benders
In this algebraic reasoning worksheet, students determine which of 4 given answers correctly replaces a questions mark shown at the end of a balance scale sequence. An answer key is included.
Curated OER
Scales Problems
In this scales activity, students find the weight of the shapes on the scale by comparing it to the other side, and make up their own problems. Students complete 5 sets of problems.
Curated OER
Balancing Act
In this balancing a scale worksheet, 2nd graders draw pictures to show how they can balance the scale using all four weights in five different scenarios.
Curated OER
Place Value Balancing Act
For this place value balancing act worksheet, 1st graders cut out the unit weights (100, 10, 1) and put them on four scales to make them balance with the weights given.
Curated OER
Hands-On Equations: Teacher Notes
Math manipulatives are wonderful for demonstrating any number of mathematical concepts in a concrete and visual way. Learners review the addition property of equality and the zero property using a scale model kit (not shown). They...
Curated OER
Estimation Skills
Learners use a balance scale with beans or seeds to estimate how many of them would weigh as much as a teddy bear counter. In this estimation lesson plan, students hold items to estimate.
Curated OER
Traveling Through the Solar System
Students use calculator and non-calculator methods for analyzing data. They apply data collection and analysis in a study of mass and weight. Students enhance and apply the concept of line of best fit. They master graphing in a plane,...
Curated OER
Introduction To Solving Equations
Use manipulatives (film cans and balance scales) to visualize and solve equivalent equations with your math class. After a lecture/demo, they utilize handouts and solve various equations using the methods learned.
Illustrative Mathematics
Longer and Heavier? Shorter and Heavier?
For many young children it seems obvious that longer objects are heavier than shorter objects. This assumption is put to the test as the class investigates the relationship between length and weight in a whole-group activity. Using a...
Curated OER
Using a Balance to Compare Weights
In this using a balance to compare weights worksheet, 3rd graders compare two weights in pounds and ounces, write "balanced" if they are equal or circle the one that is heavier if they are not equal.
Virginia Department of Education
Equations
Science equipment can be handy for math class, too. Scholars learn to solve one- and two-step linear equations by using the concept of a balance. They solve real-world problems in a variety of contexts by writing and solving linear...
Curated OER
Body Balance
Examine measurable characteristics of objects to build an understanding of the different ways you can discuss an object's size when comparing it to other objects. After whole group instruction, the class compares and organizes several...
Curated OER
Bead Play
In this balancing a scale worksheet, 3rd graders observe two different types of wooden beads on three scales to answer each of the three questions. Students draw each bead at 2, 3 and 4 ounces and answer 2 word problems.
EngageNY
Real-World Positive and Negative Numbers and Zero
Class members investigate how positive and negative numbers are useful in the real world. Individuals first read a short passage and identify terms indicating positive and negative numbers. They consider situations involving positive...
Curated OER
A Weigh we Go!
Here are some cross-curricular activities whil should help your kids understnad weight measurements and grammar. In this grammar and math lesson, students read the book Skittles Riddles and practice counting and balancing skittles. They...
Curated OER
Solving Equations Using Models
Explore mathematics by analyzing images. As they view pictures on the SMART Board, individuals must write corresponding algebraic equations. They utilize models to visualize the math expressions.
Curated OER
Density - An Intrinsic Property
Learners discover the property of density while participating in a lab exercise. In this scientific measuring lesson, pupils utilize a scale to measure the density of different metal materials. They document their work and present their...
John Lentine
Butterflies and Bugs
Symmetry, line, shape, art, and math are all connected through a fun hands-on craft. Included are instructions to a classic activity, where learners create butterflies to show symmetry in nature and then discuss symmetry in math. It is...
Curated OER
It Takes Ten
Review and use standard units of measure with your math class. They move from station to station estimating and measuring length, volume, weight, and area. At each station they estimate and measure, and then compute the difference...
Balanced Assessment
Gligs and Crocs
Explore relationships between perimeter and area. Learners compare the measurement units of gligs and crocs. They use a given perimeter and area as well as specific measurement relationships to determine the scale of gligs to crocs.
Curated OER
Vector Lab
Here is a math lab that helps young mathematicians understand the real-life meaning for vector addition. By building a model using spring scales and washers as weight, and then calculating the vector addition using two different methods,...
Curated OER
Mass and Weight in the Metric System
Students weigh and record the mass of various objects, and then compare the weights of objects by holding gram weights in one hand and the object in the other hand.
Curated OER
False Coins
In this algebra worksheet, students use a balance scale to weigh coins and identify which coin is fake. It is important to have the scale balanced like you would an equation. There is an answer key.
Curated OER
A Matter of Fact
Students design their own Science experiment. In this science experiment instructional activity students create a hypothesis related to matter and test it. They displayed their data in a graph.