Minds On

Let’s compare!

Examine the following images.

Brainstorm

Brainstorm

Consider the following questions. Share your thinking with a partner if possible.

  • What do you notice about each of the images?
  • Where might we find these different objects in the real world?
  • What is the same and different about the objects in each image?

Action

Comparing objects

Let’s explore and compare some items that we can find in a classroom!

Examine the following image.

A paperclip, a pencil, and a notebook. The notebook is the biggest, followed by the pencil, then the paperclip.

Can you use words like shortest, longest, lightest, or heaviest to describe any of the objects in the picture?

Here’s an example:

  • the paper clip is the lightest

Press ‘Sample Answer’ to access a list of some more of the words we might use to describe the objects.

  • the notebook is the longest
  • the paper clip is the shortest
  • the notebook is the heaviest

Words like longest, shortest, lightest, or heaviest help us compare different objects.

Let’s compare different objects!

Which is more?

Select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.

Ordering classroom objects

Let’s compare some classroom objects, by ordering them from smallest to biggest!

Examine the first image.

A stapler, a push pin, and a ruler. Each item is labelled.

Can you order the items from shortest to longest?

Press ‘Answer’ to access the correct order.

From smallest to longest:

push pin, stapler, ruler

Examine the second image.

A large bin labeled Bin A, a medium bin labeled Bin B, and a small bin labeled Bin C

Can you order the bins from the one that holds the least to the one that holds the most?

Press ‘Answer’ to access the correct order.

From least to most:

Bin C, Bin B, Bin A

Examine the third image.

A small garbage can, a marker, and a desk. Each item is labeled.

Can you order the items from lightest to heaviest?

Press ‘Answer’ to access the correct order.

From lightest to heaviest:

marker, garbage can, desk

Examine the final image.

A calculator covered by 6 squares, a piece of paper covered by 12 squares, and a ruler covered by 9 squares.

Can you order the items from the one that uses the least square tiles to cover it to the one that uses the most square tiles to cover it?

Press ‘Answer’ to access the correct order.

From least tiles to cover to most tiles to cover:

calculator, ruler, paper

Pause and Reflect

Pause and reflect

Can you think of any other items in a classroom that you could compare and order like we did in this learning activity?

Share your thinking with a partner if possible.

Consolidation

Create your own order

Choose three items from your home or classroom to compare.

Put your items in order from shortest to longest.

Record your order using pictures, drawings, words, or a voice recording.

Compare again!

Next, use the same three items but this time put them in order from lightest to heaviest.

Record your order using pictures, drawings, words, or a voice recording.

Student Tips

Think

Consider the following questions.

  • Did the order change the second time around?
  • Why do you think it changed or did not change?

Record your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool. If possible, share your thinking with a partner.

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.