Measurement for Kids: Comparing Weight with a Balance Scale

Looking for an activity about measurement for kids?  Kids enjoy comparing the weight of everyday objects in plastic containers using a bucket balance scale.  They will learn the concepts of heavy and light and will have fun sorting the objects by their weight.

Here is a simple activity to you can add to your math center or STEM center.  You can use some everyday objects and a bucket balance scale in this fun activity featuring measurement for kids.

Containers

I used empty plastic baby food containers for this activity.  You can also use plastic containers that you pick up at the dollar or discount store.  Make sure that they are small enough to fit in the balance’s bucket.  It is best if the containers are all the same.

Fillers

This is the fun part!  Find random items around the classroom or house to fill the containers.  Be sure that the containers have a variety of weights so that they are easy for kids to compare.  You can let kids help you with this task.  If you don’t want them to open up the containers and spill the contents, tape or glue the lid on them.  I used a roll of brightly colored, thin, duct tape to tape mine shut.

Let Kids Play

Let kids experiment with the containers and the balance.  Here are some questions to engage them:

• What happened when you placed a container in the bucket?
• Why do you think that happened?
• What happened when you placed a container in the other bucket?
• Why do you think that happened?
• What do you think will happen if you switch them? Why?
• What do you think will happen when you put this one in?

Make Predictions

Ask children to each select two containers.  Before putting them in the buckets, ask them to describe what they think will happen….why?    Let them take turns placing their selected containers in the buckets of the scale to see if they were correct. Which container is heavier?….and which one is lighter?

Place the Containers in Order by Weight

When kids understand the concept of heavier and lighter you can ask them to place the containers in order by weight.  Start them out with just a few and then challenge them to compare a larger quantity of containers.

Additional Ideas

• Send an empty container home with each child and ask them to fill them up with items from home.
• Use seasonal or thematic items to fill the containers.
• Use leak-proof containers filled with liquid.  Fill with different amounts of the same liquid to talk about volume or fill with equal amount of different liquids to talk about density.

I hope that you enjoy measuring weights with your kids.  I would love to hear what kids of containers and fillers you used when trying out this activity.

Looking for additional hands-on STEAM activities for your kids?  Click on the images below to check out these fun resources in my store:

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