Weigh Your Choices – Sorting Balance Scales into Heavier and Lighter Headings

This sorting activity has been designed by a teacher to help students show their understanding of the terms heavier and lighter. On each sorting card there is a picture of balance scales and two objects – one heavier and one lighter. A sentence describing the image provides another prompt to help students determine if that card should go under the ‘Heavier’ heading or the ‘Lighter’ heading. Here are some examples of the sentences provided on each of the cards:

• The chicken is _______ than the eggs.
• The feather is _______ than the phone.
• The golf ball is _______ than the clubs.

How to Use this Sorting Activity in the Classroom

After printing this heavier or lighter sorting activity, it is advised that you laminate the cards to ensure durability of the resource. The versatility of this resource means than you can get students to do this individually, in a small group or even as a whole class. 

Here are some basic directions for students using these sorting cards: :

1. Cut apart the sorting cards and heading cards. 
2. Read each statement. Determine if the word “heavier” or “lighter” should be used to complete the sentence.
3. Place the card under the correct header.
4. Use the answer key to check your work.

While this has been designed as a sorting activity, you could also use each image and sentence on the card as a math warm up for the whole class to answer as well. 

Download and Use Today!

Use the dropdown menu to choose between the easy to print PDF version of this resource or the editable Google Slide version.

This resource was created by Brittany Collins, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Heavier and Lighter Resources for the Classroom

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