To introduce the concept of weight, this activity uses a filled water bottle as a comparison tool to determine how much things weigh. The question asked is, “Does this object weigh more or less than a water bottle?”
Learning Area(s): Math; Science
MATERIALS
- Full water bottle
- Various household objects: pencil, apple, toy, book, paperclip, etc.
- Paper
- Marker
LET'S PLAY
Gather the household items on a table and explain to your child that he will compare the weight (heaviness) of objects by holding the water bottle in one hand and the household item in the other. Begin with the first item, for example, a pencil. Your child will hold the water bottle in one hand and the pencil in the other and determine which weighs more (which is heavier). He should decide that the water is heavier and therefore weighs more.
A simple chart can be constructed on paper with two columns, one for objects that are heavier (weigh more) and one for objects that are lighter (weigh less) than a water bottle. After your child holds and compares the weight of each object to the water bottle, place each object in the appropriate column of the chart.
TIPS
- Your child may notice that some objects that are quite large can be lighter than a water bottle, such as a beach ball. You can say, “Are larger objects always heavier?” to help your child recognize that this is not always the case.
- If you have a kitchen scale, you can also show your child how to weigh items to see which ones weigh more versus less.