Comparing Mass With Balance Scales — Interactive Lesson (Ages 3–5)

Which is heavier — the book or the leaf? This 17-slide interactive lesson introduces comparing mass, using balance scales and familiar objects to help young learners talk about heavier and lighter.

Comparing Mass with Balance Scales in Early Years Maths

Children identify objects that are heavy and objects that are light, and learn that a balance scale is level when the objects on each side have the same mass. They compare everyday items such as a book, a leaf, an apple, an aubergine and a bunch of grapes, decide which is heavier or lighter, and complete simple sentences using the words heavier and lighter.

What’s Included

• 17-slide interactive lesson on comparing mass
• Learning objectives on heavy and light objects and how balance scales work
• Questions asking which object is heavier or lighter
• Balanced and unbalanced scale pictures with statements to choose from
• Sentence-completion tasks using heavier and lighter

Key Benefits for Students

• Builds the language of heavier, lighter and the same
• Shows what a balanced scale means
• Familiar objects make comparing mass concrete
• Instant feedback on answer questions

Why Teachers Love It

• No prep — ready for whole-class teaching on an interactive whiteboard
• Pairs naturally with hands-on balance scale play
• Self-marking questions support independent practice
• Suits small groups and whole-class sessions
• A concise lesson that fits neatly into a single session

Love this? You’ll love…

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A dependable addition to Early Years measurement teaching, giving children plenty of practice comparing weight in a friendly, visual way. Early comparing language supports the more formal measuring they meet in Year 1.

Make comparing mass simple — Add to Basket.

FAQ

What age group is this for? Early Years (ages 3–5).

Does it use balance scales? Yes — pupils compare balanced and unbalanced scales.

Is it self-marking? Yes, with instant feedback on the questions.