Scales/Balance Measurement Exploration

Like many of our setups, this scales and balance exploration encompasses more than one subject. Here we will explore measuring weight and comparisons. Set up your space with a scale and objects to weigh. You can DIY your scale very easily. Use objects that are similar in weight per measurement. Ex- blocks made out of the same material. If you have something with equal weight increments (ex .2 lbs .3 lbs, .4lbs, etc) that would be best. If you don't have this but what it, you can make clay pieces out of playdough (make your own), salt dough, or store bought air dry or bake clay. This would not take all that much time. plus, they can be used for other math games, small world play, and/or building play. Easy and cheap way to add toys to your space. Back to the activity- if you have ones in equal weight increments, you can make a sheet with an icon representing each block and it's 'weight'. Make this simple by assigning values 1-5, but it has to make sense. Example, a 1 piece and a 2 piece has to equal a 3 piece. You also could have them all the same, but for this I like seeing that a 1 and 2 is the same as3. If you do not have anything that could work, it's totally fine to let the children explore random objects and see what they weigh in comparison. Ex a rubber duckie is probably lighter than a block. But how many rubber duckies are the same or more than said block? See what we are going for here? Don't fret if you don't think you have the right stuff- this is a great experiment regardless. Record if you have the right age group and interest! Ask questions- what looks heavier? How many of this would be the same as that?

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