Which Is Heavier? Comparing Weight

About This Resource

A free Grade 1 math worksheet on comparing weight. Children compare objects by holding them, read a balance (the heavier side goes down), measure weight with cubes, decide which object is heavier or lighter and find how many more cubes the heavier one weighs. Includes a timed lesson plan, a six-activity worksheet, an editable Word version and answer key.

Overview

Children compare the weight of everyday objects. First they hold two objects, one in each hand, and say which is heavier and which is lighter. Then they use a balance: the heavier side goes down and the lighter side goes up. Next they measure weight with cubes: if an apple balances 8 cubes and a banana balances 5 cubes, the apple is heavier by 3 cubes. Children answer questions about pictures and cube measurements, sort objects into heavy and light and finish with their own comparison at home or in class.

Resource Details

Subject: Math
Topic: Heavier and Lighter
Category: Measurement
File Type: PDF
File Size: 229.9 KB
Published: 12 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 1 math (ages 6–7) 40 minutes Measurement comparing estimating using nonstandard units

Student Task

Pass around a book and a feather (or a pencil). Ask: "Which is heavier? Which is lighter?"
Use a balance or a coat hanger with two cups to compare objects, then do activities 1 and 2 together.
Children complete activities 3 to 6. Answers are in the answer key.

Classroom Use

Hand balance: children hold one object in each hand and act like a balance, lowering the heavier hand.
Cube weighing: groups balance classroom objects with cubes and record the number of cubes.
Guess and check: children guess which of two boxes is heavier, then check on the balance.

Differentiation

Support: compare objects with a big difference in weight first, and use real cubes. Challenge: children put three objects in order from lightest to heaviest.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activities 1 to 5 check comparing weight and reading cube measurements (answer key included). Activity 6 shows whether children can compare objects themselves.

Learning Objectives

Compare two objects and say which is heavier or lighter.
Read a balance: the heavier side goes down.
Measure and compare weight using cubes.

Teacher Tips

Big things are not always heavier: a large balloon is lighter than a small stone. Let children test this with real objects. A simple balance can be made from a coat hanger and two paper cups.

What's Included

6-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (6 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Editable Word version of the worksheet
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)