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Mass Comparisons

Mass Comparisons

TEKS Objective

Classify matter by physical properties, including shape, relative mass, relative temperature, texture, flexibility, and whether material is a solid or liquid.


Essential Understanding

The student knows that matter has physical properties and those properties determine how it is described, classified, changed, and used.

Science Background

Mass, Weight and Gravity: School for Champions (website) - Illustrated definitions of weight and mass, and how they are measured.

Mass, Weight and Gravity
by Ron Kurtus, www.school-for-champions.com

 

Primer Balance Activity Guide: Ohaus Corporation (PDF) - Second grade students are not learning about measurement using standard units. They are, however, investigating how heavy or light something is, and comparing the weights of different objects, sometimes through the use of balance scale. Teachers will find that this activity guide provides excellent background information about the construction of a double pan balance, and how it works.

Primer Balance Activity Guide
Ohaus Corporation, http://dmx.ohaus.com

Signature Lesson

Mass of Maize: Learn NC (website) - Students use a balance scale to compare and rank five different corn products based on mass. Includes assessment and a downloadable student sheet.

Mass of Maize
Learn NC, http://www.learnnc.org

Supporting Lessons

Shape and Space (Measurement): Learn Alberta (PDF) - This 50-page teacher guide for use with second grade students has 16 sample activities on measurement and mass, and written assessment ideas and worksheets.

Shape and Space
Learn Alberta, www.learnalberta.ca

Elaboration Lessons and Extensions

Shape and Space (Measurement): Learn Alberta (PDF) - This 50-page teacher guide for use with second grade students has 16 sample activities on measurement and mass, and written assessment ideas and worksheets.

Shape and Space (Measurement)
Learn Alberta, Government of Alberta , www.learnalberta.ca

Assessment Ideas

Comparing Weights: Education.com (website) - Two printable worksheets that can be used to assess students’ understanding of relative weight. Click on “View Worksheet” to prompt a box inviting you to become a member. Simply click on the “X” and the sheet will download.

Comparing Weights - Worksheet 1
Education.com

Comparing Weights - Worksheet 2
Education.com

Literature Connections

Millions to Measure, Schwartz, D. (ISBN-13: 978-0060848064)

Weighing the Elephant, Ting-xing, Ye (ISBN-13: 978-1550375275)

Related Science TEKS

(2.1A) Science Safety
The student is expected to identify and demonstrate safe practices as described in the Texas Safety Standards during classroom and outdoor investigations, including wearing safety goggles, washing hands, and using materials appropriately.

(2.1C) Recycling/disposal of Science Materials
The student is expected to identify and demonstrate how to use, conserve, and dispose of natural resources and materials such as conserving water and reuse or recycling of paper, plastic, and metal.

(2.2A) Ask Questions
The student is expected to ask questions about organisms, objects, and events during observations and investigations.

(2.2B) Plan and Conduct Descriptive Investigation
The student is expected to plan and conduct descriptive investigations such as how organisms grow.

(2.2C) Collect Data
The student is expected to collect data from observations using simple equipment such as hand lenses, primary balances, thermometers, and non-standard measurement tools.

(2.2D) Record and Organize Data & Observations
The student is expected to record and organize data using pictures, numbers, and words.

(2.2E) Communicate and Justify Explanations
The student is expected to communicate observations and justify explanations using student-generated data from simple descriptive investigations.

(2.2F) Comparing Results of Investigations
The student is expected to compare results of investigations with what students and scientists know about the world.

(2.3B) Make Predictions
The student is expected to make predictions based on observable patterns.

Related Math TEKS

2.12D  The student is expected to use tools such as real objects, manipulatives, and technology to solve problems.

2.13A  The student is expected to explain and record observations using objects, words, pictures, numbers, and technology.

 

Additional Resources

Tools of Science for Elementary Science: BioEd Online (video) - Begin the year with this activity, which introduces students to important science tools, such as metric rulers, thermometers and magnifiers.

Tools of Science for Elementary Science
BioEd Online, www.bioedonline.org

Masses & Springs: Physics Education Technology (website) - This simulation creates a realistic, virtual mass-and-spring laboratory. Users can explore spring motion by manipulating spring stiffness, hanging mass, initial pull, damping (friction) and gravity.

Masses & Springs
Physics Education Technology, University of Colorado, www.phet.colorado.edu

Your Weight on Other Worlds: Exploratorium (website) - Ever wonder what you might weigh on Mars or the Moon? Visit this site to find out!

Your Weight on Other Worlds
Exploratorium, www.exploratorium.edu

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