Balancing Scales

• DOMAIN(S)

  Cognitive Development and General Knowledge (CD)
• INDICATOR(S)

  CD-MA7.3a
• AGE GROUP(S)

  36-48 months

Set empty balancing scales in front of the children. Ask the children how many bears or blocks it will take to make the right side drop. Encourage the children to make estimates, then add bears to the right side until it drops. Be sure to count the bears as you place them on the scale. Now ask how many bears it will take to make the right side come back up. Again, have the children make estimates. Add bears to the left side of the scale, and be sure you are counting out loud for each bear added. Ask, “How many bears will I need to take off the right side to make the left side drop?” Continue to provide estimating practice.

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