Mass, Capacity, Temperature - Measure mass - Worksheet

In this interactive lesson, children are introduced to the concept of measuring mass using non-standard units such as cubes and bricks. The objective is to help them measure and begin to record mass or weight, alongside understanding capacity and volume. They will utilise balance scales to compare the mass of different objects, understanding that when the scales are balanced, the mass is equal to the number of non-standard units used. This hands-on approach encourages children to estimate and measure the mass of various items, learning that an object can be heavier than a certain number of units but lighter than the next whole unit, presenting a challenge in achieving exact balance.

The lesson is structured to include fluency and precision exercises, where children count the non-standard units to determine the mass of objects such as cakes, brushes, and strawberries. They use reasoning and problem-solving skills to complete sentences and answer questions about the mass of objects, enhancing their understanding of measurement. For instance, they are asked to predict the effect of adding or removing a unit on the balance scales and to choose the most appropriate units for measuring different classroom objects. This practical experience is designed to deepen their comprehension of mass measurement and the use of non-standard units, paving the way for future learning about standard measurement units.