Let's solve each question on the
"Measuring Mass Using Non-Standard Units Worksheet" step by step. This worksheet uses balance scales to compare the mass of animals with non-standard units (blocks, pencils, erasers).
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1a. What is the mass of the frog?
- The scale shows:
- Left side: 3 blocks (labeled Aa, Bb, Cc)
- Right side: 1 frog
- Since the scale is balanced, the frog has the same mass as
3 blocks.
✔ Answer: 3 blocks
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1b. What would the scale look like if you took 2 blocks away?
- Original: 3 blocks = 1 frog
- If we remove 2 blocks → only 1 block remains on the left
- So now: 1 block vs. 1 frog
- Since 1 block < 3 blocks, the frog is heavier → the
frog side will go down
Look at the two options:
- First option: frog side down
✔ (correct)
- Second option: frog side up
✘
✔ Circle the first scale (frog side down)
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2a. What is the mass of the mouse?
- Scale shows:
- Left side: 2 pencils (red and yellow)
- Right side: 1 mouse
- Balanced → mouse = 2 pencils
✔ Answer: 2 pencils
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2b. What would the scale look like if you added 2 pencils?
- Original: 2 pencils = 1 mouse
- Add 2 more pencils → now 4 pencils on left
- So left side is heavier → left side goes down
Now check the two choices:
- First option: left side (pencils) down
✔
- Second option: right side (mouse) down
✘
✔ Circle the first scale (left side down)
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3a. What is the mass of the bird?
- Scale shows:
- Left side: 3 pencils (blue, red, yellow)
- Right side: 1 bird
- Balanced → bird = 3 pencils
✔ Answer: 3 pencils
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3b. What would the scale look like if you took 1 pencil away?
- Original: 3 pencils = 1 bird
- Remove 1 pencil → 2 pencils on left
- Now: 2 pencils < 3 pencils → so bird is heavier → bird side goes down
Check options:
- First option: bird side down
✔
- Second option: pencils side down
✘
✔ Circle the first scale (bird side down)
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4a. What is the mass of the snail?
- Scale shows:
- Left side: 2 erasers (blue and green)
- Right side: 1 snail
- Balanced → snail = 2 erasers
✔ Answer: 2 erasers
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4b. What would the scale look like if you added 2 erasers?
- Original: 2 erasers = 1 snail
- Add 2 more erasers → total 4 erasers on left
- Left side becomes heavier → left side goes down
Check options:
- First option: erasers side down
✔
- Second option: snail side down
✘
✔ Circle the first scale (erasers side down)
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✔ Final Answers Summary:
| Question | Answer |
|--------|--------|
| 1a | 3 blocks |
| 1b | Circle the scale where the frog side is down |
| 2a | 2 pencils |
| 2b | Circle the scale where the pencil side is down |
| 3a | 3 pencils |
| 3b | Circle the scale where the bird side is down |
| 4a | 2 erasers |
| 4b | Circle the scale where the eraser side is down |
This worksheet teaches
comparative mass using
non-standard units and helps children understand how changing weights affects balance scales. Each answer is based on balancing and comparing masses logically.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of measurement with nonstandard units worksheet.