Virginia SOL K.1.b.iii

ScienceKindergartenScientific and Engineering Practices

The Standard

measure the relative length and weight of common objects

Virginia Standards of Learning for Science · The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students compare pairs of familiar objects to find which is longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter. They choose a fair method, such as aligning ends or using a pan balance, and share what they observe.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student lines up two objects at the same starting point before comparing length. The student uses a balance correctly, names the heavier object, and records the result with a drawing or words.
Common Misconceptions: Students may compare length without lining up the objects at one end. They may assume the larger object is always heavier. They may think the raised side of a balance holds the heavier object.
How to Assess It: Give each student a pencil and crayon, plus an eraser and glue stick with a pan balance. Ask them to identify the longer and heavier objects, then explain how they know.

Lesson moves

At a station, students align a pencil and crayon at one end, then use a pan balance to compare an eraser and glue stick.
Show two classroom objects and ask, “Which is longer, which is heavier, and what evidence supports each claim?”
Play Comparison Sort: partners draw object cards, compare the real items, and place each card under longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter.
Compare two grocery packages to decide which fits on a short shelf and which adds more weight to a shopping bag.

Keep exploring

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.