Concept 4 of 6
Ranking by Weight
Today's big idea
Down means heavier
The pan that sinks holds more.
How it works
👀 What's going on?
A see-saw tells the truth about weight: the heavier friend sinks down and the lighter one floats up. A balance does the same for any two things you place on it.
💡 Here's the trick
Look at the balance above. The pan that dips down holds the heavier thing; the pan that lifts up holds the lighter one. From clues like 'the box is heavier than the ball', you can order things by weight too.
- 1.Read whether the question wants the heaviest or the lightest.
- 2.On a balance, the lower pan is heavier; from clues, line them up in order.
- 3.Pick the one at the correct end.
✍️ Try it
The box is heavier than the ball. The ball is heavier than the balloon. Which is the lightest? Order them: box (heaviest), then ball, then balloon. So the lightest is the balloon.
⚠️ Watch out
On a balance, down means heavier, not lighter — it can feel the wrong way round at first. The side that sinks is carrying more.
See it in action
⚡ Time to play!
Tap the things in order from heaviest to lightest. The bigger the number, the heavier it is.
Quick check
✅ VERIFICATION
On a balance, a mango's pan sinks down and a grape's pan lifts up. Which is heavier?
⚡ Finish the activity above first to answer.
Keep going!
Up next: Directions
Right is clockwise: N → E → S → W.