Shape Pan Balance Game
Quickie Online Activity
Name_________________________
You are to find out the lightest shape. Then find out how many of that shape are needed to balance the other 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. Make a table showing how many of the lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.

1. The lightest shape is .

2. Make a table showing how many of the lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.

Left Side 
 Right Side

 

 

 

 
Now Click New Problem

Second Try

1. The lightest shape is _____.

2. Make a table showing how many of the lightest shape are needed to balance each shape.

Third Try

1. The lightest shape is _____.

2. 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. If demonstrated, do not show how to find the lightest shape. Let the student develop their own strategy.

Classroom Use Comments:

Created by: Jim Olsen, Western Illinois University