Lesson

Title/Focus
Subject/Grad
e Level
Unit

Lesson 12 Mass and Weight

Date

April 5th/16

Science 7B

Time
Duratio
n

40 min

Structures & Forces

Teacher

Ms. Getschel

OUTCOMES FROM ALBERTA PROGRAM OF STUDIES

General
Learning
Outcomes:
Specific
Learning
Outcomes:

K.2 Investigate and analyze forces within structures, and forces applied to them
S.1 Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and
plan investigations to address those questions
S.4 Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to
communicate ideas, procedures and results
K.2.a recognize and use units of force and mass, and identify and measure forces and
loads
S.4.a communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans and results, using lists, notes in
point form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language and other means

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
1. Interpret the difference between mass and weight
2. Record mass and force (including units) by application of a balance and spring scale

ASSESSMENTS
Observations:

Key Questions:

Products/Performa
nces:

- Gizmo Worksheet
- Discussion
Overarching question for the unit: Why doesnt the Leaning Tower of Pisa
collapse?
- Bell Work (What are four properties of natural materials that have inspired
todays manufactured designs?)
Which object has a greater mass?
- Does the mass of an object change as you move to a different location?
- If the force of gravity pulls us towards the center of the Earth (weight pulls
us down), why dont we sink into the Earth?
- Gizmo Worksheet

LEARNING RESOURCES CONSULTED

-

Alberta Program of Studies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=DiyIrSMBEf8
http://www.learnalberta.ca/Search.aspx?
lang=en&search=Mass+and+Weight&grade=G
rade+7&subject=Science

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

-

PowerPoint
Balloons
Gizmo Worksheet

PROCEDURE
Prior to lesson

Introduction

Open PowerPoint
Have gizmo worksheet ready
Blow up one big and one small balloon
Introduction
Bell Work (What are four properties of natural materials that have
inspired todays manufactured designs?)
Have 2 balloons blown up at the front of the class. Ask, Which
balloon has a greater mass?
Tell students that this is tricky because the balloons feel the same.
If I said which has more mass: a desk or a pencil . . . it would seem
easy. Mass isnt defined by how heavy something is, but rather
the amount of matter or particles that make up the object. SO even
though the balloons may feel the same, the larger balloon has more
air inside and thus has a greater mass.

Time

5
min

Expectations for
Learning and
Behaviour

Advance
Organizer/Agenda

Transition to Body

Learning Activity
#1

Assessments/
Differentiation:

Learning Activity
#2

Assessments/
Differentiation

Students will listen attentively during lesson

Students will actively participate in group discussion
Students will appropriately work individually and collaboratively
Bell Work
Balloon Demonstration
Discussion/Notes
Prediction/Space Video
Discussion/Notes
Gizmo Activity
Discussion/Notes
Now that we know what mass is, do you think that mass will
change if you change the objects location? Ie. If you have
one ball on earth and the other on mars? Tell students that
you want them to watch the video and observe changes
that are occurring.
Body
Video/Discussion
- Play video at 0:08. Ask the students what changed if mass stayed
constant? Guide student responses to talk about the different sizes
of the planets and how each planet has a different gravitational
force because of its size.
- Have students record notes on weight. Explain that while mass
stays the same, weight changes because the force of gravity
changes. On the moon, the force of gravity is a lot less than on
Earth, therefore your weight is a lot less on the moon (can float
like in movies)
- Ask students if they have any questions
- Provide fill in the blank notes for specific students
Gizmo Activity
- Open the gizmo activity and set it up so that flowers are on the
balance with equal weight on the opposite side of the scale. Have
students predict based on the gravitational constants of other
locations, if mass will increase, decrease or stay the same. Have
students record the answer in the next column. This will ensure
student understanding that mass stays constant.
- Set the gizmo up so that flowers are now on the spring scale. Have
students predict based on the gravitational constants of other
locations, if mass will increase, decrease or stay the same. Have
students record the actual force in the next column. This will ensure
student understanding that weight changes based on different
gravitational forces (also as gravity increases, weight increases)
Introduce Force
- Ask, If the force of gravity pulls us towards the center of
the Earth (weight pulls us down), why dont we sink into the
Earth? Have students discuss their answers together and tell
them that you will call on a certain group.
- Discuss how there are different types of forces that counteract
gravity and keep us on the ground. By describing forces as both a
push and a pull, the students have defined what force is.
- Have the students record notes on force. Explain that force does
not just act vertically, but also horizontally. Use example of car to
reinforce this idea.
- Make observations about student behaviors (Are students staying
on task?)
- Assess how students are able to work individually on the predictions
and recorded observations
- Assess how students are engaging in discussion
- If students are having trouble, guide the activity by doing one of the
locations as a class.

Time

10
min

20
min

Closure
Consolidating
Learning
Feedback From
Students:
Feedback To
Students
Transition To Next
Lesson
Sponge
Activity/Activitie
s

Ask students to list 3 things they learned today? (verbal)

Assess how students respond to final question about the days

lesson.
Guide students who may by slightly off track.
Thank the students for their attention.
Tell students that we will be looking at the different types of forces
tomorrow.

Time
m
i
n
5 min

http://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_hidden_miracles_of_the_natural_world#t
-218668
Play 0:00-3:40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToMs7RaL11U

Reflection: