weight

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Home : 2002 : May : 3

weight
By jdj

First graders do not yet have a grasp of true weight. We tend to stick to liquid measurement, and lots of estimation with non- specific units of linear measurement ( paper clips, erasers). I would bring in a scale and do
an entire activity on weight estimation with objects, then moving to the children. ( They don't have a concept of "overweight or underweight yet, so this would be appropriate). Graph your findings. Most of them tend to be around the same weight. Then move to smaller objects, like vegetables. Give them a homework assignment to weigh food at the grocery store. They absolutely love this.

It gives them a real sense of what they are doing. Finally, do fun stuff...like balloons, cotton balls and air. I like the idea of heavier and lighter, don't feel you have to explore the grams.
Instead, have them do comparisions with classroom objects: I have a small ball. How many unifix cubes do you think it will weigh? ( Then use the balance or bucket balance to see). Literature to use (A MUST): "Math Starts" series has a couple of weight books, Scholastic has the Math Readers series that have some books. If you want to use liquid measurement ( really appropriate), use "Lemonade for Sale" by Scholastic. You can e-mail me if you need to know the standard that you will be teaching. Good luck.