Which weighs more? Which weighs less?
Alignments to Content Standards:
K.MD.A.2
Task
Materials:
- Sheets of paper for each student that are folded in half with the words "Heavier" and "Lighter" written at the top of each side.
- A box of large blocks.
- A box of different objects with different weights to compare with a block from the first box. Some should be lighter than a single block and some should be heavier. The weight differences should be fairly pronounced.
Action:
- The students begin by choosing a block that they will use to compare with other objects.
- Students will then choose an item from the second box and compare its weight to their block. They then draw a picture of it under "Heavier" or "Lighter" depending which applies. They continue to choose objects from the box to measure against their block until they have two or three drawings on each side of their sheet.
IM Commentary
The students should be told just to make a quick drawing instead of trying to trace the item on their sheet.
This activity can be done during a whole group lesson, but might be easier in a small group or at a center.
The students should also be encouraged to explain their findings to a partner so as to be given an opportunity to use the math vocabulary of heavier/lighter.
Some students may need to work in pairs to help support those that are struggling or slow in completing the task.
Solution
The students explain their findings to the teacher using the terms heavier and lighter.
Which weighs more? Which weighs less?
Materials:
- Sheets of paper for each student that are folded in half with the words "Heavier" and "Lighter" written at the top of each side.
- A box of large blocks.
- A box of different objects with different weights to compare with a block from the first box. Some should be lighter than a single block and some should be heavier. The weight differences should be fairly pronounced.
Action:
- The students begin by choosing a block that they will use to compare with other objects.
- Students will then choose an item from the second box and compare its weight to their block. They then draw a picture of it under "Heavier" or "Lighter" depending which applies. They continue to choose objects from the box to measure against their block until they have two or three drawings on each side of their sheet.