Grade 2
  1. Number Sense and Operations  1.1. Counting and Number Sequences  1.1.1. Counting up to 100  1.1.2. Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s  1.1.3. Counting Backward from 20  1.1.4. Odd and even numbers in counting sequences  1.2. Place Value  1.2.1. Understanding ones and tens  1.2.2. Comparing Two-Digit Numbers  1.2.3. Identifying the Value of Each Digit in a Number  1.2.4. Building numbers using tens and ones  1.3. Addition and Subtraction  1.3.1. Basic addition up to 20  1.3.2. Basic subtraction up to 20  1.3.3. Addition with Regrouping  1.3.4. Subtraction with Borrowing  1.3.5. Solving word problems involving addition and subtraction  1.3.6. Addition and Subtraction with Multiples of 10  1.4. Odd and Even Numbers  1.4.1. Identifying Odd and Even Numbers  1.4.2. Understanding patterns in odd and even numbers  1.4.3. Simple operations with odd and even numbers
  2. Fractions and Decimals  2.1. Introduction to Fractions  2.1.1. Understanding halves and quarters  2.1.2. Representing fractions visually  2.1.3. Simple Fraction Comparisons  2.1.4. Writing Simple Fractions  2.1.5. Fractions as part of a whole  2.2. Fraction Equivalency  2.2.1. Understanding Equal Parts  2.2.2. Identifying Equivalent Fractions
  3. Measurement and Data  3.1. Length Measurement  3.1.1. Measuring objects using rulers  3.1.2. Comparing lengths  3.1.3. Estimating lengths  3.1.4. Understanding units of measurement (centimeters and inches)  3.1.5. Relating Length Measurements to Real-World Objects  3.2. Weight and Mass Measurement  3.2.1. Comparing Weights of Objects  3.2.2. Estimating weight in grams and kilograms  3.2.3. Using balance scales for comparison  3.3. Volume and Capacity Measurement  3.3.1. Understanding capacity with cups and liters  3.3.2. Comparing capacities of containers  3.3.3. Introduction to Milliliters  3.4. Time  3.4.1. Reading analog and digital clocks  3.4.2. Understanding hours and minutes  3.4.3. Calculating elapsed time in hours  3.4.4. Days of the week and months of the year  3.4.5. Understanding AM and PM  3.5. Money  3.5.1. Recognizing coins and bills  3.5.2. Counting money up to $1  3.5.3. Simple Addition and Subtraction with Money  3.5.4. Making Change for a Dollar
  4. Geometry and Spatial Reasoning  4.1. Shapes and Their Attributes  4.1.1. Identifying basic shapes (circle, triangle, square, rectangle)  4.1.2. Understanding sides and corners  4.1.3. Distinguishing between 2D and 3D shapes  4.1.4. Recognizing 3D Shapes (Cube, Sphere, Cone, Cylinder)  4.1.5. Composing and Decomposing Shapes  4.2. Symmetry  4.2.1. Understanding Lines of Symmetry  4.2.2. Drawing Symmetrical Shapes  4.2.3. Identifying Symmetrical Objects in the Environment  4.3. Patterns and Spatial Awareness  4.3.1. Recognizing and Creating Patterns  4.3.2. Extending Patterns  4.3.3. Understanding positions (left, right, above, below)  4.3.4. Using a grid to locate objects
  5. Data Handling and Probability  5.1. Collecting and Organizing Data  5.1.1. Using tally marks  5.1.2. Reading Bar Graphs  5.1.3. Simple Pictographs  5.1.4. Creating Bar Graphs from Given Data  5.2. Interpreting Data  5.2.1. Answering questions based on data  5.2.3. Identifying Most and Least in Data Sets  5.3. Introduction to Probability  5.3.1. Understanding likely and unlikely events

Grade 2 → Measurement and Data → Weight and Mass Measurement ↓


Using balance scales for comparison


Balance scales are simple but powerful tools used to measure and compare weight. For young students, especially in grade 2, balance scales provide a concrete way to understand the concepts of weight and mass in a fun and interactive way.

What are balance scales?

Balance scales are devices used to measure the weight of objects by balancing them against known weights. They have two pans, one on each side, which are used to place objects and weights to find the balance point.

Visual example of a balance scale

In the picture above, imagine placing different objects on each pan. The goal is to see which side is tilted downward to determine which side is heavier.

How do balance scales work?

When you place an object on one pan and the scale tilts to that side, it means that object is heavier than the object on the other pan. If the scale remains level, then the objects placed on both pans weigh the same.

Example of weight comparison

Imagine you have a scale and you want to compare the weight of an apple and an orange.

Step 1: Place the apple on the left side of the scale.

Step 2: Place the orange on the right side of the scale.

Observation: If the pan with the apples falls down, the apples will be heavier than the oranges. If it stays balanced, they will weigh the same.

Understanding weight and mass

Weight and mass are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings:

  • Mass: The amount of matter in an object. Mass is constant and does not change depending on location.
  • Weight: The force exerted by gravity on an object. Weight can also change when the force of gravity changes (e.g., on the Moon).

In everyday situations, especially in the classroom, children learn about weight using words such as "heavy", "light", and "equal", but do not consider in depth the scientific differences between mass and weight.

Why use balance scales in learning?

Using balance scales can help children understand basic scientific concepts. Here are some reasons why they are ideal for learning about weight and mass:

  • They provide instant visual feedback when comparing weights.
  • They help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students determine ways to achieve balance.
  • They give children the opportunity to make predictions about the weight of objects and test their hypotheses.

Activity: Prediction and testing

Choose some common objects used in the classroom such as pencils, erasers or toy blocks. Ask students to guess which object is heavier before using the scales to test their predictions.

Mathematics and balance scales

Balancing scales can also be a fun way to explain basic mathematical concepts, especially equations and inequalities.

Example of mathematical equations using balance scales

Consider an equation where the goal is to balance both sides, just like balancing scales.

    Suppose an apple (A) and a banana (B) are balanced by two oranges (O).
    
    A + B = 2O

This simple equation demonstrates the concept of balance and can be used as a visual method of teaching equality in equations.

Practicing with balance scales

Engaging in activities that require the use of balance scales is beneficial for practical learning.

Activity: Make your own balance scale

Materials Needed: A hanger, two paper cups, string, and small weights or objects.

  1. Attach a piece of rope to each side of the hanger, making sure it's the same length.
  2. Attach a paper cup to the end of each string. These are your balance pans.
  3. Hang the hanger on a door handle or any high place.
  4. Weigh small objects by placing them in cups using your homemade scale.

This activity demonstrates how balance scales can be used to measure weight in a simple and interactive way.

Conclusion

Using balance scales for comparison is an excellent way to introduce young children to the fundamental concepts of weight and mass. By comparing objects and using real-life examples, students learn to think critically and solve problems effectively. Balance scales make abstract ideas tangible and provide the basis for more advanced studies in science and math.


Grade 2 → 3.2.3


U
username
0%
completed in Grade 2

← Prev (3.2.2)
Estimating weight in grams and kilograms
Next (3.3) →
Volume and Capacity Measurement

Comments 



Using balance scales for comparison

https://www.buddymath.com/g2/3.2.3?bmal=en