Weigh Away: Light, Lighter, Lightest

Making a Balance Scale

Make a simple balance scale with the help from the children. Once completed provide the children with the opportunity to independently weigh toys and other household objects. Encourage children to gather an assortment of items and test predictions about which things will be heavier or lighter. To make the activity more challenging have the children put the objects in order from lightest to heaviest.



You Will Need:

Hanger
Hole Punch
Two empty margarine tubs of equal size (or paper or plastic bowl or plates)
Yarn
Assorted items to weigh (such as toy, blocks, pebbles)

What to Do:

1. Punch or poke three holes equal distance around the rim of the two clean margarine tubs, bowls, or plates.
2. Cut six pieces of yarn all the same size and thread one end of a piece of yam thought a ole and tie it to the tub. Repeat for all holes and all pieces of yarn.
3. Then tie the three strings of one tub on one end of the hanger and the three strings from the other tub on the other end.
4. Hang on a doorknob or dresser drawer.

Reference:

365 Ways to a Smarter Preschooler