Lesson Summary
Students begin investigating the affect that the variable of weight has on whether an object floats or sinks. Students are introduced to a tool that measures weight—the spring scale. Students calibrate the spring scale, and begin to connect the concept of weight to units used to represent weight. Students calibrate a spring scale with paper clips.
Teacher Background
Weight is the gravitational force down on an object.
The process of calibration will help the students better understand the relationship between the concept of weight and the numbers and units used to represent weight when making measurements.
A spring scale can be used to measure the weight, or downward force, pull of gravity on an object. It also can be used to measure pushes and pulls in other directions.
Set-up/Management Tips
1. Cut the masking tape strip for each student group. Have students initial their masking tape.
2. Discuss with children ahead of time that the spring scale is not a toy. The spring scale is a measuring tool; therefore, it should not be played with. The coil inside the plastic tube can be stretched out easily, hindering the accuracy of the measurement.
3. When calibrating a spring scale, a team of two children should work together. One child needs to hold the spring scale steady. The other needs to add paper clips and mark the scale.
Literacy Support
Scientific Vocabulary
The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit:
|
|
