Balancing and Weighing (2nd grade)

This unit introduces students to the relationship between balance and weight. Experiences with a beam balance introduce students to the concept that amount of weight, position of weight, and position of the fulcrum affect balance. Work with an equal-arm balance challenges students to place objects in serial order on the basis of weight and to appreciate that weighing is the process of balancing an object against a certain number of standard objects. In the final lessons, students turn to a series of problem-solving investigations with the equal-arm balance and cupfuls of four different foods. These activities provide an opportunity to explore the relationship between weight, density, and volume.

Additional Photos

Parent Letter - English

Parent Letter - Spanish

Balancing & Weighing Storyline (pdf)

Literacy / Book Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Unit Certificate
We wish to acknowledge your student's accomplishment in completing the unit through the use of this unit completion certificate, and hope that he or she enjoyed learning about science through The Einstein Project's hands-on science.

Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsor the Balancing & Weighing unit! Please contact Lori Kaufman, development director, about this and other sponsorship opportunities. You can reach her at 920-884-8800 or lori@einsteinproject.org.