Describing Objects Using Length and Weight

Day 1

Warm up:

Give students a box of cubes.

Give them one minute to build a tower with the cubes.

When the minute is up, talk to students about being able to compare the length of objects using words like big, small, tall, or short. 

Have students discuss which tower is the tallest or shortest.

Have students build two more towers. Put towers in order from tallest to shortest.

Pass out the Describing Objects Using Length questions. Do 2 together, then 2 with a partner, and the remaining independently.

Day 2:

Warm up:

Gather random objects (glue, pencil, crayons, scissors, books, stapler, etc.)

Have students compare two objects using words to describe length.

Gather 3-4 objects at a time, and have students put in order from tallest to shortest and shortest to tallest.

Show students an object. Have students search around the room for an object smaller, bigger, taller, and short than each object you choose. Have students draw the item they choose in their journals.

Day 3:

Get a balance and the same objects you used in Day 2 of Length.

Explain to students that a balance is used to compare the weight of objects. We use words like heavy and light to describe weight - not big or small.

Take turns weighing the objects and explaining to students how balances work. Discuss using math language like heavy and light. 

Students can predict which object is heavier or lighter and explain why. 

Have students determine whether their prediction was right or wrong and how they knew. 

Day 4:

Show students the two balance sheets (one displays the left side being heavier, and the other displays the right side being heavier)

Use the image cards to have students place the objects on the balance that would make the statement true. 

I.e. If the students are given a picture of glue and a feather, the feather should be placed on the side of the balance that is higher because it is lighter than the glue.

Day 5:

Pass out the Length & Weight word sort and have students cut, sort, and glue on construction paper. 

Day 6:

Review with word sort again, then pass out the Length and Weight words pictures. Students will work with their tables to describe the objects using both length and weight.

Day 7:

Assess with the Length and Weight questions.

These activities can be adjusted for small group instruction.

Differentiation: Pull for small group remediation as necessary. Simplify the task by having students work with 5 blocks, creating two "towers", one with a stack of 2 blocks and the other a stack of 3 blocks. Discuss and compare their heights. Move into the second day with weight with the same logic.

Extension: Have students manipulate their towers on day one. Ex: "Now make your tower shorter (or taller)."

Use the "Weight & Length Questions" document in the resources tab to assess student learning outcomes.