Measuring Mass with Informal Units
Year 2 Mathematics Learning about heavy and light objects Using balance scales and everyday items
WALT: We Are Learning To
Measure the mass of objects using informal units Decide if objects are heavy or light Use an equal arm balance safely Count and record our measurements
What is Mass?
Think about holding different objects in your hands Which feels heavier - a feather or a book? Mass tells us how heavy or light something is
Meet the Equal Arm Balance
A special tool for measuring mass Has two arms with trays on each side When one side goes down, it's heavier When both sides are level, they have the same mass
Success Criteria for Measuring
1. Estimate the mass first 2. Place the object on one side 3. Place informal units on the other side 4. Count and record the number of units
What are Informal Units?
Everyday objects we use to measure Examples: blocks, counters, paperclips, bean bags Must use the SAME unit for fair comparison Help us count how heavy something is
Let's Measure Together!
Teacher demonstration: Measuring a whiteboard marker with unifix cubes First, let's estimate... Now let's measure and count!
Comparing Different Objects
{"left":"Light Objects: feather, paperclip, eraser, small toy","right":"Heavy Objects: textbook, water bottle, stapler, large block"}
Your Turn to Measure!
Choose an object from your table Estimate how many blocks it will need Use the balance to measure carefully Record: 'The mass of the _____ is _____ blocks'
What We Learned Today
Mass tells us how heavy or light objects are We use equal arm balances to measure mass Informal units help us count and compare Always estimate first, then measure and record