Mass and capacity - Measure mass activity - Planning

In a Year 3 classroom, the concept of measuring mass is introduced through a series of engaging activities. The lesson begins with a discussion to define mass and its significance in everyday contexts. The children are shown various measuring instruments, including rulers, thermometers, balance scales, and weighing scales, and are encouraged to identify which tools are appropriate for measuring mass. Through a practical demonstration using balancing scales, the children observe how different objects' mass affects the scales, learning that heavier items tip the scale and that balanced scales indicate equal mass. This hands-on approach helps to solidify their understanding of mass and its measurement.

The lesson continues with a narrative about two characters, Zach and Rosie, who compare the mass of various items, such as fruits and parcels, using scales. This story-telling method illustrates the concept that size does not always correlate with mass, enhancing the children's critical thinking. Further practical activities involve the children in using balancing scales to compare objects they find, and in a more controlled scenario, they use predetermined weights to measure and manipulate the mass of playdoh. The session concludes with a reflective 'Give me five' activity, where students recap what they've learned, the skills they've used, and any challenges they faced. The lesson is designed to cater to different levels of understanding, from achieving basic fluency to exploring the subject at greater depth, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to master the concept of measuring mass.