Primer Balance Scale

Primer Balance Scale

The lightweight Primer balance is the ideal tool for introducing the very first and basic elements of mass measurement to the youngest budding scientists. Accurate, simple to use, easy to clean and student proof. Your students' first introduction to the principles of balancing are best demonstrated with this new design primer balance. 2000 g capacity, 1 g sensitivity

Features

• An activity guide with 16 exercises is included with every Primer balance.
• The easy-to-slide zero adjustment weight makes ensuring the balance is ready for weighing very simple.
• Front and rear pointers allow students to view results from both sides of the balance.

Children develop measurement concepts through interactions with objects in their environment. They gain these concepts by climbing trees, lifting toys, touching hot and cold surfaces, and doing a multitude of things called"everyday life". The teacher’s role is to help the student integrate what he or she knows about the world with the formal lessons taught in the classroom.

An important part in helping students to integrate and expand their knowledge of measurement is to present lessons in a concrete form. A suggested teaching sequence for accomplishing this goal is shown below:

Sequencing Activities for Measuring Mass

The chart above implies that students of any age should have experiences comparing the relative mass of objects using direct comparison techniques (using all five senses). If students are unable to decide which of two materials has the greater mass, they may elect to use a balance to resolve the problem.

Initial work with the balance can be carried out successfully using nonstandard units of measure. The student can use almost any available object as his unit for comparison. Later, for convenience and accuracy, comparisons can be made using standard units.

Using the Primer® Balance

The Primer Balance is rugged and can be used by students with the knowledge that it will not be damaged through normal use. The balance may be taken apart to see how it is constructed. Each of the balance pans may be loaded with all types of materials: sand, water, books, rocks, etc. Since there is very little that will damage the Primer Balance, students may be given freedom to explore how it works