Get your students thinking critically about comparative mass with Tip the Scales: At the Pet Shop! This hands-on cut and paste activity helps students explore the concept of mass by encouraging them to compare a range of familiar pet-related items. Through interactive problem-solving and visual reasoning, students decide which item is heavier or lighter and place it accordingly on the scales.

This resource is an engaging way to reinforce key measurement concepts and support early mathematical thinking. It’s perfect for building vocabulary around weight and encouraging students to apply their understanding in a meaningful, visual context. With little preparation required, it’s an ideal addition to any mass-focused maths lesson.

Tip the Scales: At the Pet Shop includes three differentiated worksheet options to suit a range of abilities and learning stages. Whether you’re just introducing mass or reviewing the topic, this flexible activity supports learners in consolidating their understanding while having fun with cut-and-paste problem solving.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Compare the mass of familiar objects using visual cues
• ✅ Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• ✅ Strengthen mathematical vocabulary related to weight and mass
• ✅ Practise fine motor skills through cutting and pasting
• ✅ Engage in hands-on learning to reinforce key measurement concepts

What’s Included:

• 3 differentiated worksheets featuring pet-themed items
• Scales with two sides to help students visualise heavier vs lighter
• Cut-out object images for students to compare and sort
• Simple instructions printed on each page for independent use

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet pages (one per student or small group)
• Scissors and glue for cut and paste tasks
• Pencils or markers for discussion and labelling extensions
• Optional: real pet items or classroom objects for hands-on demonstrations

How to Use:

1. Introduce or review the concept of mass and how we compare objects using terms like heavier and lighter.
2. Provide each student with a worksheet suited to their level.
3. Students cut out the pet shop items and decide where to place them on the scales by comparing mass.
4. Encourage discussion as students justify their choices using mathematical language.
5. Wrap up with a group reflection or whole-class share to discuss comparisons and reasoning.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as an introductory task or review during a unit on mass
• 💡 Include in a maths rotation for hands-on exploration of measurement
• 💡 Pair with real classroom objects for tactile comparison activities
• 💡 Ideal for small groups with support staff to encourage vocabulary development

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print worksheets on coloured paper to help differentiate levels or increase visual appeal
• 💛 Laminate and reuse the cut-out pieces with Velcro on classroom scales or whiteboards
• 💛 Extend learning by asking students to bring in light and heavy objects from home to compare

Tip the Scales: At the Pet Shop is a simple, effective way to bring mass measurement into your classroom with minimal prep and maximum engagement. Your students will love learning through play as they develop vital maths and reasoning skills!