B. Objects and substances can be classified by their physical and chemical properties. Mass is the amount of matter (or "stuff") in an object. Weight, on the other hand, is the measure of force of attraction (gravitational force) between an object and Earth.
The concepts of mass and weight are complicated and potentially confusing to elementary students. Hence, the more familiar term of "weight" is recommended for use to stand for both mass and weight in grades K-5. By grades 6-8, students are expected to understand the distinction between mass and weight, and use them appropriately.
Clarification for grades K-2: The use of the more familiar term ‘weight’ instead of the term “mass” is recommended for grades K-2.
Clarification for grades 3-5: In grade 3, introduce the term mass as compared to the term weight. In grade 4, investigate the concept of weight versus mass of objects. In grade 5, discuss why mass (not weight) is used to compare properties of solids, liquids and gases.
Related Courses
Related Access Points
Related Resources
3D Modeling
Assessment
Image/Photographs
Lesson Plans
Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) STEM Lessons
Original Student Tutorials
Presentation/Slideshow
Teaching Idea
Unit/Lesson Sequences
Virtual Manipulative
Worksheet
STEM Lessons - Model Eliciting Activity
In this Model-Eliciting Activity (MEA), students are asked to label the properties of different balls that could be used to replace the dodge ball, in order to make the game safer. They are also given cost and profit information, and instructed to rank the balls in order from best replacement to worst. They are then provided with new information, the weight of each ball, as well as three new replacement options. They must then revise their ranking and provide reasoning.
Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. MEAs resemble engineering problems and encourage students to create solutions in the form of mathematical and scientific models. Students work in teams to apply their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve an open-ended problem while considering constraints and tradeoffs. Students integrate their ELA skills into MEAs as they are asked to clearly document their thought processes. MEAs follow a problem-based, student-centered approach to learning, where students are encouraged to grapple with the problem while the teacher acts as a facilitator. To learn more about MEAs visit: https://www.cpalms.org/cpalms/mea.aspx
Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8
Learn to measure and compare the mass of solids as Devin helps Chef Kyle in the bakery with this interactive tutorial.
Student Resources
Original Student Tutorials
Learn to measure and compare the mass of solids as Devin helps Chef Kyle in the bakery with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this SaM-1 video, students will learn how to measure the mass of solids and liquids using a balance. Students will learn that they need to subtract the mass of the container the solid or liquid is in to determine the mass of only the solid or liquid. Students will then make observations and sort items based on mass.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this video, SaM-1 introduces a part 2 twist to the Model Eliciting Activity (MEA). In the optional twist, students will need to modify their original diet for a senior chimpanzee. The first video provided meal planning information to add to the knowledge students gained throughout the unit to start the challenge.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this video, SaM-1 introduces a Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) challenge for the students. This video provides meal planning information to add to the knowledge students gained throughout the unit. Students will be asked to develop a varied diet for a chimpanzee at the CPALMS Rehabilitation and Conservation Center based on the color, shape, texture, and hardness of the food.
In the optional twist, students will need to modify their original diet for a senior chimpanzee. The optional twist also has a SaM-1 video to introduce the twist challenge.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this video, SaM-1 introduces a part 2 twist to the Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) challenge. In the optional twist, students will need to design a prototype toy suitable for a Florida panther with an injured leg. This first video provides background information on why and how animals need to be entertained.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this video, SaM-1 introduces a Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) challenge for the students. This video provides background information on why and how animals need to be entertained. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they learned about physical properties and measuring linear lengths as they are asked to design a prototype toy for Florida panthers housed at the CPALMS Rehabilitation and Conservation Center.
In the optional twist, students will need to design a prototype toy suitable for a Florida panther with an injured leg. The optional twist also has a SaM-1 video to introduce the twist challenge.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this video, SaM-1 introduces a part 2 twist to the Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) challenge. In the first video, students were asked to design a habitat for an elephant or gorilla that will be housed at the CPALMS Rehabilitation and Conservation Center. In this twist, students will need to modify their design to accommodate a senior elephant or gorilla.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this video, SaM-1 introduces a Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) challenge for the students. This video provides habitat information to help the students use the knowledge they gained throughout the unit. Students are asked to design a habitat for an elephant or gorilla that will be housed at the CPALMS Rehabilitation and Conservation Center. Students will need to describe the physical properties (color, shape, texture, hardness) of the features they selected for the habitat while explaining the rationale behind their design choices.
In the optional twist, students will need to modify their design to accommodate a senior elephant or gorilla. The optional twist also has a SaM-1 video to introduce the twist challenge.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this SaM-1 video, students will learn how to make observations based on the property of temperature using thermometers, while representing the data in line graphs.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this SaM-1 video, students will use their listening and writing skills to learn about sea turtles, preparing them for subsequent lessons in the unit.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this SaM-1 Video, students will learn how to find the volume of irregular objects using a graduated cylinder and the displacement method.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this SaM-1 video, students will learn how to use a graduated cylinder to make observations based on the volume of liquids.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Help SaM-1 make observations and sort items based on the mass of materials using a triple-beam balance and equal-arm balance. In this video, you will also become familiar with metric units for measuring mass: gram and kilogram.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this video, students will make observations based on the property of size, specifically length. Students will learn about the metric and customary measurement systems and use line plots to organize and sort data.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
This SaM-1 video begins the Grade 3 Animals: Rehabilitation and Conservation Center Unit on Physical Properties. Students learn that making observations is an important aspect of scientific study. Students will observe different properties and use these properties throughout the unit.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Virtual Manipulative
This resource provides a fun and engaging way for you to learn about the world's smallest particle, the quark. A poem accompanies each page in the downloadable coloring book.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
Parent Resources
Virtual Manipulative
This resource provides a fun and engaging way for you to learn about the world's smallest particle, the quark. A poem accompanies each page in the downloadable coloring book.
Type: Virtual Manipulative