Balance

The last of our science tools rounded out last week with the introduction of a balance scale.  Measuring concepts like weight and capacity can be hard to understand, so I put it into easier terms for the group.  

This comparing activity got the children used to the balance scale.  One side weighing down indicates the heavier object.  We talked about a seesaw on a playground.  Would they want to seesaw with an elephant?  

The next day the children took this concept further by weighing objects.  How many kangaroos (small counting kangaroos) does it weigh?

There are, or course, many other tools we can use to investigate the world around us, but this is where we will officially pause.  We will use more tools as the year progresses, but this helped the children understand the respect needed for using something purposefully as a scientist.

Next up- the 5 senses!