Balanced Assessment
Multi-Figures
Apply concepts of scale and ratio to determine relationships in irregular figures. Learners determine the ratio of the perimeters of two figures composed of rectangles and circles. After, they apply similar concepts to find the ratio of...
Balanced Assessment
Don't Fence Me In
Investigate the complexities of design problems using geometric concepts. The task asks scholars to design a fence for a horse based on the distance it can travel within one hour. It is a seemingly simple task — until individuals learn...
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
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,...
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...
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...
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...
Perkins School for the Blind
Conservation of Mass
How do you teach a student with visual impairments about the conservation of mass? You use tactile models that represent the theoretical concept. Baking soda and vinegar are used to add gas to a deflated balloon. Learners will feel the...
Virginia Department of Education
States and Forms of Energy
Energy is just energy, right? Explain various forms of energy to your young scientists by using an interactive experiment that contains common objects to demonstrate complex concepts. Pupils conduct experiments for radiant, thermal,...
CCSS Math Activities
Social Security Trust Fund
Will Social Security still be around when you retire? Given data on the predicted balance of the social security fund over time, scholars plot the points on a coordinate grid and determine if a quadratic regression fits the data. They...
Curated OER
Seesaws
Students make direct comparisons between objects using balance and spring scales. They also are encouraged to estimate which object is heavier by holding the objects before using the balance scales. Comparing the masses of objects is the...
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
Solving Simple Addition and Subtraction Equations Using Fact Families
Students explore addition fact families. In this addition and subtraction fact family math lesson, students click and drag objects on the Smart Board to create visual representations of fact families. Students use fact family strategies...
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.
It's About Time
Center of Mass
Lead your class on an exploration as they locate the center of mass in several oddly shaped two-dimensional objects they create from their imaginations. Pupils also determine the location of the center of mass in three-dimensional...
American Chemical Society
Neutralizing Acids and Bases
Most things naturally strive for balance, and acids and bases are no exception. Neutralization of acids and bases allows scholars to explore the color changes associated with the pH scale. After this exploration, pupils neutralize two...
National Energy Education Development Project
Introduction to Wind Energy
The U.S. produced enough wind energy in 2015 to power all of the homes in Alaska, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and...
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
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
Finding Balance
Students explore how an artist uses the force of gravity to create balance in a sculpture. In this sculpting instructional activity, students create their own sculpture applying concepts from the instructional activity.
Curated OER
Pounds and Ounces Practice 18.3
For this pounds and ounces worksheet, learners find 4 objects that weigh more than 1 pound. Students write their names in the table. Learners estimate the weight to the nearest pound. Students use a balance scale and a one pound measure...
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.