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Learners investigate weight by building a spring scale. They observe and record how it responds to objects with different masses. This activity can be combined with other activities to create a larger lesson. Resource contains vocabulary definitions and suggestions for assessment, extensions, and scaling for different levels of learners.
- Under 5 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- A mini slinky or other lightweight spring
- A paper cup
- 25 cm of string
- Tape
- Two rulers
- A few books or another heavy object to hold one ruler down on a table or desk
- 6 small objects with identical weights (i.e., pennies, marbles)
Subjects
-
Mathematics
-
Algebra
- Patterns
-
Measurement
- Units of Measurement
-
Algebra
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Gravity
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Heavner, Ben ; Schaefer Zarske, Malinda ; Carlson, Denise W
Source Collection
- TeachEngineering
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2004
Funding Sources:
- Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
- U.S. Department of Education
- National Science Foundation, 0226322