Which is Heavier? is a hands-on and practical measurement activity designed to introduce students to the concept of mass through real-world exploration. In this engaging task, students use the technique of "hefting" - lifting and feeling the weight of objects - to compare and reason about which items are heavier.

This activity encourages kinaesthetic learning and gets students up and moving as they explore mass through touch and estimation. It provides the opportunity to physically interact with a variety of classroom objects and make direct comparisons, building their understanding of heavier and lighter in a meaningful and memorable way.

By combining observation, decision-making, and drawing skills, Which is Heavier? promotes critical thinking and visual communication. It also creates a natural bridge to using measurement vocabulary such as “heavier than” and “lighter than,” preparing students for more formal measurement tasks.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Compare the mass of two objects using the strategy of hefting
• ✅ Identify and colour the heavier of two items based on direct comparison
• ✅ Use everyday vocabulary of mass such as heavier and lighter
• ✅ Demonstrate reasoning through drawing and selection of comparative objects

What’s Included:

• Printable worksheet with object pairs for students to compare and colour
• Drawing prompt to find and illustrate three objects heavier than a chair
• Clear and simple instructions suitable for early years learners

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet for each student
• Coloured pencils or crayons
• Access to a range of classroom objects, including a standard classroom chair

How to Use:

1. Review the concept of mass and introduce the term "hefting" to your class
2. Guide students in lifting (hefting) two objects at a time to compare their mass
3. Students colour the heavier object from each pair on the worksheet
4. Next, students search the classroom to find three items heavier than a chair
5. They draw and label each of these heavier items in the space provided

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as an introductory activity in your mass unit to build early comparison skills
• 💡 Incorporate into a classroom scavenger hunt or rotational task
• 💡 Pair students up to encourage discussion and collaborative comparison

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Model the hefting process and talk aloud about what you're noticing and comparing
• 💛 Have a list of safe and common classroom items ready for students to explore
• 💛 Encourage full sentence explanations like “The bin is heavier than the chair because...”

Which is Heavier? is a fun and active way to introduce the concept of mass to early learners. With opportunities to move, observe, colour and draw, this resource brings maths to life in a simple yet meaningful format that supports real-world learning.