Nature Weigh-In
A simple coat-hanger balance scale for comparing the weight of leaves, stones, and pinecones from the garden.
Thinking
3–7 years
15–30 min
Calm
Low mess
At homeNearby
What you need
- A wire coat hanger
- Two small cups or bags tied to each end with string
- Natural items to weigh: leaves, stones, pinecones, sticks
Setup
- Tie a cup or bag to each end of a coat hanger with string
- Hang the hanger from a door handle or a branch so both cups swing freely
- Collect a few natural items to compare
Play prompts
- Which item do you think is heavier before we test it?
- How many little stones balance one big leaf?
- Can you find something in the garden that balances exactly?
Ways to change it up
- Sort the collected items from lightest to heaviest afterwards
- Use kitchen scales instead for an exact weight in grams
Safety notes
- Make sure the hanging point is secure before loading the scale
- Supervise outdoor collecting for anything sharp or unsafe to touch
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Coming soon on Google Play