Help students develop a strong foundation in measurement with the interactive Comparing & Ordering Mass Activity! This hands-on resource supports students as they learn to compare the mass of familiar objects and order them from lightest to heaviest. With colourful sorting mats, object cards, and a recording sheet, students will engage in visual reasoning and mass comparison in a playful, purposeful way.

Using this resource, students sort a set of object image cards from least to most mass, placing them in order on the sorting mat. Then, they draw the ordered objects on their recording sheet to show their thinking. Each mat comes with its own unique set of cards, allowing students to swap sets and try again for repeated practice. It’s a versatile activity that fits seamlessly into maths rotations or small group learning.

Comparing & Ordering Mass Activity is easy to prepare and even easier to use. With high and low colour versions included, plus a black-and-white recording sheet, it’s ideal for flexible classroom use. You can also swap out the cards for real classroom objects, encouraging students to use hefting or balance scales to deepen their understanding through tactile exploration.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Compare and order objects by mass
• ✅ Strengthen understanding of terms such as heavier and lighter
• ✅ Develop reasoning and problem-solving skills through sorting tasks
• ✅ Practise recording data in a visual format
• ✅ Engage in hands-on exploration using real or illustrated objects

What’s Included:

• Detailed teacher instructions for set-up and use
• Sorting mats in both high and low colour options
• Multiple sets of object image cards for comparing and ordering
• Recording sheet for students to draw and document their ordered objects

Materials Needed:

• Printed sorting mats and object image cards
• Scissors for cutting out the cards (optional if pre-cut)
• Pencils, crayons, or markers for the recording sheet
• Optional: real classroom objects to replace the cards
• Optional: balance scales or use of 'hefting' to test object mass
• Optional: A3 paper for young learners who need more space to work

How to Use:

1. Introduce or review the concept of comparing and ordering mass.
2. Give each student or small group a sorting mat and one set of image cards.
3. Students place the cards in order from least to most mass based on reasoning or prior knowledge.
4. They draw the objects in order on the recording sheet to show their thinking.
5. Students can swap card sets and repeat the activity for more practice.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Include in a maths rotation station during your measurement unit
• 💡 Use as a small group task to build vocabulary and discussion
• 💡 Create an investigation station using real items and scales for added depth
• 💡 Great for early finishers who benefit from visual and hands-on challenges

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print mats and cards on thick cardstock for repeated use
• 💛 Store each card set in its own envelope for easy rotation
• 💛 Encourage students to justify their reasoning with full sentences using mass vocabulary

Comparing & Ordering Mass Activity is a fun, flexible way to explore mass and measurement in a tactile, visual, and collaborative format that’s sure to become a classroom favourite!