Measurement

Longer, shorter, heavier, lighter

Compare two things side by side and say which is longer, shorter, heavier or lighter.

To compare two lengths, lay them side by side with one end level. The one that reaches further is the longer one.

Have a play

This balance has a weight on each side and three spare weights below it. Try to make the two sides match, and watch the beam while you do.

Worked example

Which is longer, a pencil or a ruler?

  1. Put them next to each other with their bottom ends level.

    Starting level is what makes the comparison a fair one.

Try it together

Two bags are sitting on a balance, and one side has tipped down.

    1.A balance tips on the side carrying more. Does the heavier bag go up or down?

    Watch out

    A big thing is not always a heavy thing. A large empty box weighs far less than a small stone.

    Have a go

    Have a go: which is heavier, a feather or a brick?

    Ready to practise?

    Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.

    Print a worksheet