Weighing Fruits
Children weigh a variety of fruit and make predictions about which will be lightest and heaviest.
Children weigh a variety of fruit and make predictions about which will be lightest and heaviest.
What you'll need
- variety of fruits
- food weight scale
Step by step
Step 1
Provide an assortment of fruits in your math area. Try to include a variety of sizes and colors. Challenge children to place the fruits in order from smallest to largest. Then, have each child hold two fruits (one in each hand). Ask, "Which feels heavier?" Compare the weights of several different fruits just by holding them.
Step 2
Bring out a food weight scale and show children how to weigh one fruit at a time. Have them predict which fruit will be the lightest and which will be the heaviest. Arrange the fruits on the table in order from lightest to heaviest. Were the children's predictions correct?
More ideas
Observe: What words do the children use to compare the fruits? Are they familiar with the weight scale? Do they know how to use it? Provide opportunities to use math tools such as calculators, scales, rulers, etc. Use the terms light, heavy, ounces, pounds, etc., when using the tools.
Learning outcomes
Math
Number Sense, Quantity, and Operations
Grows in rote counting and sequencing of numbers to 10 and beyond; identifies some written numerals in everyday environment; begins to understand one-to-one correspondence; compares quantities and identifies more/less; begins to subitize (recognizes number of objects in a small set without counting - two blocks); begins to understand the last number counted in a set is the quantity of the set; understands ordinal terms (1st, 2nd, etc.).
Grows in rote counting and sequencing of numbers to 20 and beyond; identifies written numerals to at least 20; compares quantities in sets and identifies more/less/equal; subitizes (recognizes small number of objects in a set without counting - three blocks, dots on a die); understands and uses ordinal terms (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.).
Math
Measurement and Data
Uses words to describe measurable attributes (quantity, length, weight); observes and explores ways to use tools to measure objects; identifies/names/uses standard and non-standard units/tools of measure (paper clips, ruler, scale, measuring cups, etc.) in activities with adult support across learning domains; arranges objects according to one measurable attribute.
Uses words to describe and compare measurable attributes (quantity, length, weight, time, capacity) between two or more groups across learning domains; uses standard and non-standard units of measure (paper clips, ruler, scale, measuring cups, etc.) in activities and discusses findings; arranges objects according to one or more attributes (longer, shorter, same); begins to understand time concepts (one minute vs. ten minutes) and tools (clocks, timers, calendars).
Math
Patterns, Sorting/Classifying, Reasoning
Uses simple strategies to solve mathematical problems and seeks answers to questions in play and daily activities; experiments with puzzles and blocks to create solutions; builds simple structures and works toward simple goals.
Uses multiple strategies to solve mathematical problems and seeks answers to questions in play and daily activities; begins to use mathematical language to explain a solution; solves puzzles, uses blocks to build structures to create solutions; moves through a process to reach a goal.
Science
Observation and Inquiry
Uses senses to make increasingly complex observations in the environment; makes simple predictions and plans to carry out investigations; describes observations.
Uses steps of the scientific inquiry process and all five senses to purposely explore materials; asks questions (why, where, when, how, what) and seeks answers through exploration; makes and explains observations, makes predictions based on observations and past experiences, and draws conclusions; classifies objects by function.
Uses tools to investigate and gather information (magnifying glass, scale, bug catcher, tablet, computer, smartphone); groups materials according to observed features.
Uses equipment and tools to gather information and explains findings to aid in investigation (scale, map, binoculars, tablet, computer, smartphone).
Physical Development and Health
Gross Motor Development
Coordinates body movements in place with increasing skill (begins to kick ball with purpose, throws overhand with some accuracy, dribbles balls with increased coordination, throws and attempts to catch balls, begins using bat/racket to make contact with objects)
Coordinates body movements in place to accomplish a goal (kicks ball accurately in game, throws overhand, dribbles, and catches balls with increasing accuracy, swings bat/racket and makes contact with stationary objects, bounces and passes ball)
Approaches to Learning
Curiosity, Initiative, and Risk-Taking
Shows a willingness to participate; shows eagerness to join play events, experiments, and exploring activities; tries new activities independently
Welcomes play experiences and shows creativity and inventiveness; demonstrates inquisitiveness about subjects and objects
Language/Literacy
Expressive Language (Speaking)
Converses with a rapidly expanding vocabulary; understands words and meanings from growing number of topics and learning domains; demonstrates understanding of some opposite concepts.
Demonstrates understanding and use of rapidly expanding vocabulary, including language of specific learning domains and more abstract concepts; identifies word pairs that describe opposite concepts.