Lesson 8

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the concept and language used to compare weight.

In a previous unit, students described and compared the lengths of objects. In a previous lesson, students explored the difference between flat and solid shapes. In this lesson, students learn about an attribute of solid shapes: weight. Students are introduced to the terms heavy, light, heavier, and lighter to describe and compare the weights of objects (MP6). Students initially describe and compare the weights of objects when the comparison is visually obvious and brainstorm ideas for how to compare the weights of objects when they cannot tell by looking which object is heavier. Then students work in groups to compare the weights of objects and record the comparison. Since students will not be using a scale or a balance, objects to compare should have significantly different weights so that students can feel which object is heavier by holding the objects. In the lesson synthesis, students discuss a comparison of one heavier object and multiple light objects.

• Prepare 2 boxes, one filled with books, labeled “1,” and one empty box, labeled “2.”
• Prepare 2 closed bags, one containing a few crayons, labeled “1,” and one filled with rocks or other heavy objects, labeled “2.”

• Gather assorted classroom objects for students to compare.

• Gather materials from: 
  • Counting Collections, Stage 1
  • Match Mine, Stage 1
  • Shake and Spill, Stages 1-4

In tomorrow’s lesson, students work together in groups to compare the capacities of cups and containers. What did you learn about how students worked in groups today that can help you prepare for tomorrow’s lesson?