Measuring & Comparing Mass is a hands-on worksheet activity designed to support students as they develop their understanding of mass by using balance scales to compare the weight of classroom objects. This resource encourages exploration, prediction and reasoning as students draw and label items, test their mass against other objects and record their findings.

Using the worksheet template, students begin by selecting a classroom object and drawing it in the first column. They then use balance scales to find three other items - one that is heavier, one lighter, and one of equal mass. After making each comparison, they draw and label the new object in the correct column. This cycle is repeated with three different initial objects, helping to consolidate learning through repeated practice.

Whether used independently, in pairs or small groups, this worksheet provides a concrete way to explore mass and supports rich classroom discussion around measurement language and comparison strategies. With minimal prep required and simple materials, this activity fits beautifully into any Foundation or Year 1 measurement sequence.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Use balance scales to compare the mass of everyday objects
• ✅ Use the terms heavier than, lighter than and the same mass as
• ✅ Record results clearly using drawings and labels
• ✅ Make and justify predictions based on observed mass comparisons

What’s Included:

• Printable worksheet recording template with space to:
  - Draw and label the initial object
  - Record three mass comparisons per round
• Teacher instructions and classroom usage suggestions

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet templates (one per student or pair)
• Balance scales or equal-arm scales
• Classroom objects such as pencils, scissors, glue sticks, counters, and toys
• Pencils or crayons for drawing and labelling

How to Use:

1. Students choose a starting object and draw it in the first column
2. Using balance scales, they compare this object with others to find:
   - One object of equal mass
   - One that is heavier
   - One that is lighter
3. They draw and label each comparison object in the appropriate space
4. Repeat the activity two more times using different initial objects

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a core lesson task during a mass comparison unit
• 💡 Incorporate into small group maths rotations with teacher support
• 💡 Pair students up to encourage discussion and collaborative reasoning
• 💡 Add real-world objects such as fruit or classroom tools to increase engagement

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Pre-select a range of objects with varied masses for quicker setup
• 💛 Encourage full sentences during student reflection (e.g. “The glue stick is heavier than the pencil.”)
• 💛 Use coloured pencils to match drawing and object categories for easy visual comparisons

Want more mass-focused fun? Check out these complementary resources:

• MASS Mystery Task Cards
• Marbles for MASS
• Measure it Up
• Measuring MASS Worksheet

Measuring & Comparing Mass is a simple yet effective way to bring the concept of mass to life. Through prediction, testing and comparison, your students will gain confidence in using measurement language and tools in a fun and meaningful way.