Max Maths, Year 1, Learn together, Measuring mass

In the "Max Maths, Year 1, Learn together" series, young students are introduced to the concept of measuring mass in a simple and engaging way. The lesson begins with a practical and relatable question: "What is the mass of the shoe?" By using everyday objects like a shoe, children can connect the abstract concept of mass to their tangible world. The mass is then quantified in a way that is appropriate for Year 1 students, avoiding complex units and instead using a visual representation, indicated by a placeholder symbol. For example, the mass of the shoe might be shown as equivalent to three of these symbols.

The lesson continues with a similar inquiry: "What is the mass of the book?" Again, a visual representation is used, this time equating the mass of the book to five symbols, which allows students to easily compare the mass of the two objects. The key learning point is that the book has a greater mass than the shoe, indicated by a higher number of symbols. This leads to the conclusion that the book is heavier than the shoe. Such comparisons are fundamental in helping children understand the concept of mass and how it can be measured and compared in a way that is meaningful to them.