Using a Balance
TEKS Objective
The student is expected to collect, record, and compare information using tools, including computers, hand lenses, rulers, primary balances, plastic beakers, magnets, collecting nets, notebooks, and safety goggles; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; weather instruments such as thermometers, wind vanes, and rain gauges; and materials to support observations of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.
Essential Understanding
The student uses age-appropriate tools and models to investigate the natural world.
Science Background
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, www.ohaus.com
Mass vs. Weight: NASA (video) - Build your understanding of the difference between mass and weight with this video produced on the International Space Station.
Signature Lesson
Keeping in Balance: NCTM Illuminations (website) - Students balance pairs of like and unlike objects.
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
How Much Does it Weigh? Vermillion Parish (LA) School District (website) - Students predict, measure and compare the weight/mass and volume of different solids and liquids using observation and a primary balance.
How Much Does it Weigh?
Vermillion Parish (LA) School District
TEKS Navigation
Grade 2
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