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.
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
Using Grams and Kilograms
Practice the metric system with this basic learning exercise. Guided by a fun illustration of a mouse, students problem solve using a balance scale. Two graphic organizers allow them to record their findings in grams and kilograms.
Balanced Assessment
L to Scale
Explore the meaning of scale in relation to actual size through this activity. Young mathematicians examine scale models and determine their relationship to each other. They also find perimeter and area of each model.
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.
Curated OER
Algebra: Equations
In this algebra equations activity, 7th graders solve and complete 5 different problems that include balance scales. First, they complete each balance challenge by multiplying the given numbers. Then, students determine the number of...
Noyce Foundation
On Balance
Investigate the world of unknown quantities with a creative set of five lessons that provides problem situations for varying grade levels. Each problem presents a scenario of fruit with different weights and a balance scale. Using the...
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: 7th Grade Math – Target E
How well do your classes understand scale? You'll certainly know after they answer the set of eight questions from an informative and helpful presentation. Questions include items from coordinate geometry, similar triangles, and scale...
Education Development Center
Word Problem with Rational Numbers—Balancing Bars of Soap
Here's a resource teachers won't want to wash their hands of. Given a task where a full bar of soap is on one side of a balance and 3/4 of a bar of soup and a 3/4-ounce weight is on the other side, young mathematicians must determine the...
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: 7th Grade Math – Claim 2
To solve or not to solve that is the problem. A slide presentation of 17 items show different ways that Smarter Balanced assesses Claim 2, problem solving. The items span from sixth and seventh grade concepts to highlight the...
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
Make It Balance!- Balance Scales
In this balance scale worksheet, 1st graders examine the position of a triangle on one side of the balance scale. They draw triangles on the other side of the scale in order to make it balance.
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 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
Measuring Up
Students examine and discuss a variety of ways to measure length, capacity, and weight. They estimate and measure a pencil's length using Unifix cubes, estimate and fill a measuring cup with Unifix cubes, and weigh a calculator in a...
Balanced Assessment
Scaling the Stars
Examine ratio and scale through coordinate geometry. Scholars use two diagrams of different scale to calculate perimeter and area. Then, individuals use the perimeters and areas to find ratios.
Curated OER
Measures
Estimate and explore the length and weight of classroom items using standard measurement and scales. Students will work in groups to determine appropriate measuring tools, weigh or measure items, and record their results on a data chart....
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.
Balanced Assessment
Ostrich and Seahorse
Examine the relationship between ratios and scale. Young math scholars compare ratios of two models. They use the ratios to make a comparison between the two models. Each image uses a different scale, which requires learners to think...
Balanced Assessment
A Loud Noise
In a scale measuring noise, an increase in 10 dB is a 10 time increase in power. Mathematicians examine the data graph of a real world exponential growth, with no logarithmic scale, and then create two equations relating the decibels and...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Post Lab
Students utilize a balance scale. In this applied science lesson, students compare the weights of two objects using an elementary balance scale. Students balance the scale with weights to find how heavy an object is.
Curated OER
Balanced Systems of Equations
Students solve equations. In this algebra lesson, students relate solving equations to a balanced scale. They add, subtract, multiply and divide on both sides to keep the scale balanced.
Concord Consortium
Two Pounds to Go
How hard can it be to measure out two pounds? A short performance task introduces a situation where a balance scale is broken. It gives a method for measuring out two pounds and asks learners to evaluate the procedure. They must prove...
Computer Science Unplugged
Lightest and Heaviest—Sorting Algorithms
How do computers sort data lists? Using eight unknown weights and a balance scale, groups determine the order of the weights from lightest to heaviest. A second worksheet provides the groups with other methods to order the weights. The...