Hefting and Balancing: Comparing Mass
Year 1 Mathematics Learning about heavy and light objects Using our hands and balance scales
WALT: We Are Learning To
Use hefting to compare how heavy objects feel Use an equal-arm balance to check which is heavier Decide if objects are heavier, lighter or the same Order objects from lightest to heaviest
What is Mass?
Mass tells us how heavy or light something is Heavy objects have more mass Light objects have less mass We can feel the difference when we lift objects
Hefting Practice
Pick up two objects, one in each hand Feel which one is heavier Which arm goes down? Make your prediction!
Real Life Examples
Seesaw: heavier person goes down Choosing fruit at the grocery store Carrying your school bag vs a feather Picking up toys - some feel heavy, some feel light
Meet the Equal-Arm Balance
Special scale with two sides Put objects in the pans Heavy side goes down Light side goes up Level arms mean equal weight
Success Criteria Check
1. Heft to compare (Does one feel heavier?) 2. Check using an equal-arm balance 3. Look for level arms H-h-h heavier arm goes down Equal arms = same weight
Let's Compare: Apple vs Rock
{"left":"First, let's heft both objects\nThe rock feels much heavier!\nNow let's check with our balance","right":"Rock side goes down - it's heavier!\nApple side goes up - it's lighter\nOur hefting was correct!"}
Think and Predict
Look at these objects: book, cotton ball, toy car Which do you think is heaviest? Which is lightest? How could we check?
Ordering Objects: Lightest to Heaviest
Use hefting and balance to compare Start with the lightest object Find the next heaviest Continue until all are ordered Check your work with the balance!