This 3-page 5th grade science sheet separates two words students often use as one. A short box on page 1 says mass is the amount of matter, measured in kilograms, and weight is the pull of gravity, measured in newtons or pounds. Students then mark eight statements, such as measured with a balance and changes on the moon, as mass or weight. Page 2 follows a 30 kg backpack to the moon with three questions. Page 3 is the answer key.
“Tell mass from weight: mass is the amount of matter in an object, and weight is the pull of gravity on it.”
Page 1 asks students to sort eight statements about tools, units and what changes on the moon.
“Explain that an object keeps its mass when gravity changes but its weight does not stay the same.”
Page 2 asks for the backpack's mass on the moon (30 kg) and why it weighs less there.
A purple definition box and a table of eight statements numbered 1 to 8. Students write Mass or Weight beside each one.
A photo of an astronaut on the moon and a backpack with a mass of 30 kg. Students give its mass on the moon, say whether it is heavier or lighter and explain why.
A completed table (balance, kilograms and stays the same everywhere are mass, the rest are weight), plus 30 kg, lighter and a model explanation.
Two tools
Bring a balance and a spring scale to class. Weigh the same object on both and ask students which tool measures mass and which measures weight.
Pairs of clues
Items 1, 4, 7 and 8 name tools and units. Do these four together as a class, then let students try the other four alone.
Explain it twice
For question 3, ask students to say the answer aloud to a partner using both words, mass and weight, before they write.
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