On the Scale, a Weighty Tale: Math Activity Third Grade
Book Title: On the Scale, a Weighty Tale
CCSS: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A.2
Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l).1 Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.
Objective (ABCD): Using a balance and a worksheet, students will understand the concept of weight and be able to apply it with two or less errors.
Digital Scale the measures in grams
Various household objects that can be weighted on the scale
Procedures: Prior to reading the book discuss what a unit to measure mass is and list ones known by the class on the board. Read the book in whole group. After reading the book see if there is any units to be added to the list. Ask students what new facts or ideas they learned from this book. Next pass out the worksheet to the student, have them either pick ou items you have pre selected or items around the classroom to weigh. Make sure that the item is not too heavy if they pick something from the classroom. Weigh the items and write the weight on the board for the students to record on their worksheets. Have the students answer the questions on the worksheet once finished weighing things, review the answers afterwards.
Worksheet: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4K7lHORhvq8QTNkRUpaY2tvaU0
Additional Resources (1 field trip/speaker, 2 song/video, 3 app/website)
Field Trip: See if your local children’s museum has field trip programming on measurement or math.
VIdeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z0X0yE8Ioc
Website: http://www.ducksters.com/science/physics/mass_and_weight.php
Cleary B. (2010) Math is CATegorial: On the scale a weighty tale. Millbrooks Press
Get a tub full of water and test out which objects sink or float, discuss density.
Create visual representation of [pound, kilogram and ounce, students can help if you have additional scales.
Have student balance items with a balance and set of weights and record the results.
Create visual representations of cups, liters, pints, and gallons which students can help to create.
