(#31) Perfect Balance
The two clever student-constructed balances in this book can be used in sequence or separately. The first ten activities utilize a math beam that "does arithmetic." Lessons progress from simple to moderately challenging. This balance introduces students to the mechanics and mathematics of balances. Lessons work with arithmetic, simple algebraic equations, mathematical logic and predictions.
The second half of the book uses a mass balance to weigh and compare objects, and to work further with equations. Students can construct their own system of weights, practice open-ended metrics, learn the relationship between paper areas and paper weights, and graph the math of unequal-arm balances. We even include a primer on statistics.
How can one book serve students K-12? Perfect Balance gives you thoughtfully integrated activity clusters and astonishing flexibility. Each of the two cleverly-designed balances explore science and math from varied directions, and each can be used at many levels of student ability and maturity. We further include extension and enrichment activities appropriate for different age groups. This is technology at its best - accessible, clever, simple and cheap, cheap, cheap!
For students with little hands-on experience,
Perfect Balance is a wonderful introduction. They'll learn to read,
interpret, and do. Because instructions are clear and well illustrated,
children succeed and gain confidence, acquiring a taste for the rewards of
working independently in the process. Kindergarteners love interacting with
these balances. If you construct the beams for them, youngsters can play,
discover and learn. And they'll enjoy returning in future years to tackle
more sophisticated math and science concepts. Older students will interact
at higher conceptual levels, using their self-constructed learning systems
to provide concrete and memorable experience.
(#31) PERFECT
BALANCE is part of our Self-Directing Activity Page Series.
It is an 80 page soft-bound book organized into three main parts:
INTRODUCTION
* A TOPS Teaching Model * Getting Ready * Gathering Materials * Sequencing
Activities * Gaining a Whole Perspective * Review / Test Questions
* Why Teach TOPS?
TEACHING NOTES (20 lessons)
* Build a Math Balance: 1 * Build a Math Balance: 2 * Paper Clip
Balancing
* Balance Addition * Balance Multiplication * Balance Puzzles * More Balance
Puzzles * Does it Balance? * Which Way? * Short n' Long Arm Balancing
* Build a Paper Beam Balance: 1 * Build a Paper Beam Balance: 2
* Balance Equations * Paper Clip Weighing: 2 * Paper Clip Weighing: 2
* Paper Square Weights * Pinto Bean Statistics * Squares and
Rectangles
* Educated Guess * Mountain of Paper Clips
REPRODUCIBLE LINE MASTERS
* 20 Student Activity Sheets
______________________________
(#31) PERFECT BALANCE requires no lab equipment or unusual supplies. Just photocopy the 20 activity sheets, gather simple materials (like clothespins, paper clips, tape and pop cans), and you're ready to explore TOPS Learning Systems hands-on.
GRADE RANGE: K-12
ORIGINS: written by Ron Marson / illustrated by Peg Marson / copyrighted in
2004
by TOPS Learning Systems / ISBN 978-0-941008-69-X
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#31 PERFECT BALANCE @ $15.00
