Shape Pan Balance Game

Shape Pan Balance Game - 3	Quickie Online Activity	Name_________________________
You are to find out the lightest shape. Let the weight of the lightest shape be 1 ounce. Then find the weight of the other three shapes. Solve it *three times*.
First just "play" with the Shape Pan Balance to figure out how to use it. Then click New Problem and write your answers below.

Recording Area		Example
First Try 1. The lightest shape is ______. 2. Red Square = ______. Blue Circle = ______. Purple Triangle = ______. Yellow Diamond = ______. Optional: Make a table showing how many of the lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.		1. The lightest shape is Red Square. 2. Red Square = 1 oz. Blue Circle = 2 oz. Purple Triangle = 3 oz. Yellow Diamond = 1.5 oz. (or one and a half ounces)
Left Side	Right Side

Now Click New Problem
Second Try 1. The lightest shape is _____. 2. Red Square = ______. Blue Circle = ______. Purple Triangle = ______. Yellow Diamond = ______. Optional: Make a table showing how many of the lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.		Third Try 1. The lightest shape is _____. 2. Red Square = ______. Blue Circle = ______. Purple Triangle = ______. Yellow Diamond = ______. Optional: Make a table showing how many of the lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.
Left Side	Right Side	Left Side	Right Side

URL: http://illuminations.nctm.org/tools/tool_detail.aspx?id=33

Mathematical Concept(s) Illuminated: Measurement, algebraic thinking, problem solving, and logic.

How important is a demonstration prior to student use? Mildly important, but don't show too much. Putting pieces on and off the balance is easy. It may be useful to demonstrate the "Count Items" vs "Show Array" modes. Let the student develop their own strategies.

Classroom Use Comments:

Activity setup: Set the window to Shape Pan Balance. Provide a copy of the recording sheet (above) for each student in front of the computer.
Implementation: This is Shape Pan Balance Game - 3. In pan balance game (2) the weight of the lightest shape is 2 ounces (and all shapes are a whole number of ounces). In this game 3, some weight may have one-half, as in the example. Send one student to the computer at a time. Encourage them to play/experiment with the applet first, then answer the questions. The activity should take about 10 minutes per student.

Created by: Jim Olsen, Western Illinois University