Weighing In

One fun place to try out estimation and measurement skills in the supermarket is the produce section where everyone can have the opportunity to participate.

What you'll need

The grocery scale

What to do

1. Help your child examine the scale. Explain that pounds are divided into smaller parts called ounces and 16 ounces equal a pound.

2. Gather the produce you are purchasing, and estimate the weight of each item before weighing it.

3. Use sample questions to foster thinking about measurement and estimation. You might want to ask your child:

How much do you think 6 apples will weigh; More than a pound, less than a pound, equal to a pound? How much do the apples really weigh? Do they weigh more or less than you predicted? How about the potatoes? Will 6 potatoes weigh more or less than the apples? How much do potatoes cost per pound? If they cost ___ cents per pound, what is the total cost?

Some grocery stores have scales that tell all the answers to these questions, so in that case, estimate using the same procedure to make sure the machines are accurate.

Activities like this help children develop number sense for weight and foster the ability to compare items when measuring.