2. Introducing units to compare weights

When developing an understanding of the idea of weighing, it may be useful if non-standard units are used to measure first. If pupils compare and contrast weights against non-standard unit bottle tops or beans they will quickly understand this is not sensible, as the weight of different bottle tops and seeds vary.

When pupils understand the need for a common unit, the introduction of standard units like grams or kilograms may be better understood.

Case Study 2: Using a ‘standard’ unit to measure

Ronke Okusanya, a primary school teacher, felt that having taught her pupils how to use a simple balance to compare weights of objects, they should now compare the weight of any object with that of a given chosen ‘standard’ object.

She assembled different objects and selected dry beans to be her chosen measure. Working with the whole class and using the balance, she asked two pupils to place an object on one pan and put enough beans on the other until it balanced. They counted the beans for each object and recorded their results.

Next, she used some longer beans and weighed the same objects and recorded these results. She talked with the class about the difference in numbers between the two kinds of bean and how difficult it was to compare the weight of different objects if one person used one set of beans and the other used the bigger beans.

She asked them to think what they might do for the next lesson.

Activity 2: Data presentation

Before doing this activity, read Resource 3: Pupil instructions for weighing activity and collect together the following resources (enough for your size of class):

  • simple balances;
  • objects of similar weights to use as measures (e.g. bottle tops and beans);
  • objects of different weights to measure (e.g. small bottles, tins or stones).

You could just collect enough for one group and have groups taking turns to do the activity while the others do different work.

Write the instructions for the groups on the board and explain what they have to do (see Key Resource: Using group work in your classroom [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]   for ways to organise your groups).

At the end, ask them how it was different using beans or bottle tops to measure the weight, rather than just comparing pairs of objects. Note their answers on the board. Ask if they think this is a fairer way to measure.

Ask pupils to list the objects in order from heaviest to lightest – is this harder or easier than before? Why?

1. Doing practical work in groups

3. Being resourceful