Dora DePaolis

Aim: How do we use a Triple Beam Balance?

Do Now: View Video: Astronauts Weightless in Space

Objectives:

Students will understand the difference between weight and mass

Students will be able read a triple beam balance

Science Standard 4

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the

physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in

science.

Core Curriculum Standard 1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions. Key Idea 1: The central purpose of scientific inquiry is to develop explanations of natural phenomena in a continuing and creative process.

Materials Smartboard, Worksheet

Procedures:

Take attendance

Do Now Activity: View video, Astronauts weightless in space

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHL1opjFR7Y)

o How come the astronauts can float in space? Did they lose a lot of weight after

takeoff? What changed?

Mass vs. Weight

o Weight changes based on gravity; Mass does not

Unit of Measurement

o Review unit of measurement for length (meter)

o Unit of measurement for mass: Grams

Measure Mass with a Triple Beam Balance

o Review parts of Triple Beam Balance using interactive website: http://www.wisc-

online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=GCH202

Graphic: Doctor scale

o How do you measure weight on doctor scale?

o Triple Beam balance is very similar

Reading Triple Beam Balance

o Practice Reading Triple Beam Balance using website:

http://www.ohaus.com/input/tutorials/tbb/tbbentry.swf (go to “practice weighing”)

Read Middle Row first; then back row, then first row

Teacher models reading triple Beam Balance; then each student gets a turn

reading the scale with guidance from teacher

Handout worksheet

o Students work independently

Key Questions:

What is the difference between weight and mass?

What does a Triple Beam balance measure?

Assessment:

Student’s verbal responses

Unit test to follow

Conclusion:

Review definitions

Answer any remaining questions the students may have