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.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Solving Equations Using Balance Scale, Decomposition, and Graphing
There's more than one way to solve an equation — three, actually. Scholars learn how to solve simple linear equations in one variable using three different methods, which include using balance scales, using decomposition (e.g., turning...
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.
Missouri Department of Elementary
Are You Balanced?
Balance scales create a strong visual of how an individual prioritizes one's self alongside their commitments to the community, school, and home. Scholars complete a graphic organizer then discuss their findings with their peers. A...
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.
Kenan Fellows
Weight and Balance of an Airplane
A career in aeronautics might be calling your class members. Building from the previous two lessons in the series, learners continue analyzing the mathematics of aeronautics. Groups create a paper airplane using paperclips for 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
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...
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....
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Post Lab
Learners utilize a balance scale. In this applied science lesson, students compare the weights of two objects using an elementary balance scale. Learners 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.
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 lesson of a four-part Algebra series. A series of activities begins with an analysis...
Curated OER
Are You Balanced?
Fifth graders discuss what it means to have balance in their lives. Individually, they are given a worksheet in which they list their activities and things they are involved in. To end the lesson, they place weights on each side of a...
Illustrative Mathematics
Which Weighs More? Which Weighs Less?
Expand the the comparative language of young mathematicians with a hand-on weight measurement activity. Working independently or in pairs, children compare the weight of large wooden blocks to various other classroom objects, recording...
Curated OER
Weight Game
Students estimate and compare grapefruit weights. In this weight measurement and literacy lesson, students listen to the story Nate's Big Hair and the Grapefruit in There, then estimate the weight of a grapefruit after holding it....
Curated OER
How Heavy
Break out the balances for this primary grade lesson on weight measurement. Using common elementary school manipulatives like unifix or snap cubes, young mathematicians determine the weight of four different classroom objects. A graphic...
Curated OER
Water Wonders
Students measure the amount of surface tension using a balance scale after a classroom demonstration students diagram the appearance of several liquids and label them.
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
Balancing the Scales: Understanding Ratios
Students are introduced to the concept of ratios. In groups, they convert sets of numbers into a ratio. After practicing, they use the ratios and proportions to solve story problems. They also calculate map distances and discover map...
Curated OER
Balancing Equations
Students balance equations using the correct method. In this algebra lesson, students solve linear equations using a virtual balance beam as a manipulative. They play games to reinforce the concept of equations being and staying balanced.
Curated OER
Metric Meals
Sixth graders investigate metric measurements. In this metric measurement lesson, 6th graders explore mass, capacity, and length. Students examine graduated cylinders and balance scales to obtain measurements. Resources are provided.
Curated OER
Estimation Skills
Young scholars 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.