EngageNY
The Mean as a Balance Point
It's a balancing act! Pupils balance pennies on a ruler to create a physical representation of a dot plot. The scholars then find the distances of the data points from the balance point, the mean.
PHET
Equality Explorer: Basics
Not all interactives are made equal. Scholars use an interactive balance to explore the concept of equality. They place different objects on balances to determine the number of each object needed to balance the scale.
Virginia Department of Education
Balanced
Bring balance to your lesson plans with an activity that asks individuals to solve one-step linear equations with inverse operations. Balance scales help learners understand the concept of isolating the variable.
Curated OER
Balanced Scales Enrichment 13.7
In this standard weights worksheet, students write a weight from the box on each pan of the scales so that the weights on each scale are equal and all the 8 scales are balanced. The equal weights will have ounces and pounds.
Curated OER
Making It Balance
Students listen to story, "The 100-Pound Problem," compare their weight with character in story, and weigh different classroom items using nonstandard units and standard units. They experiment with different items that can make scale...
Curated OER
Balanced Equations
Help your math class understand variables. This activity is for a visual learner. They will use weights and a balance scale to show how the sides of an equation are equal. Worksheet is included.
Noyce Foundation
Boxes
Teach your class to think outside the box. Scholars use the concept of equality to solve a problem in the assessment task. They determine how to use a scale to identify the one box out of a set of nine boxes that is heavier than the others.
Curated OER
Challenge: Fraction Scales
In this comparing fractions instructional activity, students examine 10 pairs of fractions and identify the first in each pair as greater than, less than, or equal to the second.
Project Maths
Introduction to Equations
Do your pupils truly understand inverse operations, or is their understanding a little backward? Scholars learn the meaning of an equation in the second instructional activity of a four-part Algebra series. A series of activities begins...
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
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...
Waterloo Mathematics
Grade 7 Patterning and Algebra: Algebraic Expressions
Classmates solve 18 different problems that are mostly word problems that apply algebraic expressions. They draw different combinations of masses on a scale that would balance. They also simplify expressions and solve for x in a number...
Curated OER
Balance or Tilt?
Sixth graders investigate the concepts of a variable, constant, expressions, and equations. They solve problems which require the interpretation of expressions in and out of equations looking for solutions. Students also use a balance...
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.
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.
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.
Curated OER
Algebra: Lesson 4
Eighth graders participate in using algebraic proportional reasoning to find the missing amount that balances on a scale. Substitution is used to discover the missing objects on a scale. They answer multiple choice questions that are...
Curated OER
Simplifying Equations of the Form ax+b=cx+d
Students solve equations of the form ax+b=cx+d and visualize the concept of "balancing" an equation.
Curated OER
A Mass of Pennies
Learners estimate and determine the number of cents (pennies) that are needed to equal the mass of a variety of common objects. They develop a process for measuring and explore concepts related to units of measurement.
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
Investigation: Shape Balance
Second graders explore geometry by utilizing pattern blocks. In this shape identification lesson, 2nd graders view the characteristics for several different geometric shapes and create them using building blocks and other classroom...
Curated OER
Student Exploration: Weight and Mass
In this student exploration-weight and mass instructional activity, student use the Weight and Mass Gizmo to answer questions and fill in charts with estimating and measuring.
Curated OER
Pounds and Ounces
In this pounds and ounces worksheet, students solve 3 story problems in which the best answer from 3 choices is circled. All pertain to weights in pounds and ounces; students are asked to use a balance scale and 1 pound measure but no...
Curated OER
Balanced Or Unbalanced
Students use physical models and graphs in order to solve problems that have their origin in the real world that require algebraic thinking. The words are changed into equations and inequalities in order to be solved. This requires...