Comparing Weight

Good morning! What did you bring for show and tell today?

I brought my scale!

Oh, how interesting! What do you use a scale for?

I like to use it when I want to compare two objects. My scale tells me which object is heavy and which one is light.

Very good! Can we use your scale to compare objects in the classroom?

Okay!

Here is a paper clip and a printer. Where do you place them on the scale?

I’ll put the paper clip on this side and the printer on this side. Wow, that printer sure is heavy!

Which object is heavier?

The printer is heavier!

Yes! And which object is lighter?

The paper clip is much lighter.

That’s right! We know that the paper clip is lighter because its side of the scale is up high. The printer is heavier because its side of the scale is down low.

Can I try putting a pencil on the scale now?

Sure! Let’s have you put this computer on the other side of the scale.

Look! The pencil is light and the computer is heavy.

I agree. The weight of the computer makes its side of the scale go down low.

Yep, and the pencil’s side is up high because it’s lighter than the computer.

Exactly! Can you compare the thumb tack and the stapler now?

Sure!

The thumb tack’s side of the scale is up high, so it’s the lighter object! That means the stapler is heavier. Look how low it is.

That is correct! Using a scale sure is a fun way to compare the weight of two different objects.