In this unit, students expand their understanding of the relationship between balance and weight as they explore activities in balancing, comparing, and weighing. Their experiences introduce them to the following concepts, skills, and attitudes.

• Balance is affected by the amount of weight, the position of weight, and the position of the fulcrum.
• Weighing is the process of balancing an object against a certain number of standard units.
• The weight of an object is not determined by its size.
• Equal volumes of different foods will not all have equal weights; equal weights of different foods will not all have equal volumes.

• Performing simple experiments with balance.
• Applying previous experiences with balancing to build mobiles.
• Using an equal-arm balance to compare and weigh.
• Predicting the serial order for the weights of objects and foods.
• Applying strategies for comparing and weighing to solve problems.
• Recording results on record sheets, bar graphs, line plots, data tables, and Venn diagrams.
• Communicating ideas, observations, and experiences through writing, drawing, and discussion.
• Reading to learn more about balancing and weighing.

• Developing an interest in investigating balancing and weighing.
• Appreciating the importance of balancing and weighing in the everyday world.
• Accepting that a range of results is valid.
• Valuing the importance of simple scientific tools.