⚖️ Heavy, Light, Full and Empty
Class 2 Maths · Unit 8 of 11 · about 120 minutes
In this unit, children explore weight and capacity using everyday objects. They compare weights with a simple balance and non-standard units like cubes or marbles, and compare how much containers hold using cups and glasses. The focus is on direct comparison and using uniform non-standard units, laying the groundwork for standard measures in later grades.
What your child will learn
- Students will be able to compare the weight of two objects using a simple balance and say which is heavier or lighter.
- Students will be able to measure the weight of an object using non-standard units (like cubes or marbles) and state the weight in those units.
- Students will be able to compare the capacity of two containers by filling one with another and say which holds more or less.
- Students will be able to measure the capacity of a container using a non-standard unit (like a cup) and state the capacity in those units.
Lessons in this unit
- Heavy or Light: Children learn to compare the weight of two objects using a simple balance. They observe which side goes down (heavier) and which goes up (lighter).
- Weighing with Cubes: Children measure the weight of an object by balancing it with identical cubes. They count the cubes to state the weight in 'cubes'.
- Full or Empty: Children learn to describe containers as full, empty, or half-full, and compare which holds more by looking at them.
- Measuring with Cups: Children measure the capacity of a container by filling it with cups of water. They count the cups to state the capacity in 'cups'.
Key words
- heavy
- Something that is hard to lift, like a big rock.
- light
- Something that is easy to lift, like a feather.
- balance
- A tool that shows which thing is heavier. The heavier side goes down.
- capacity
- How much a container can hold inside.
- full
- When a container has no space left for more.
- empty
- When a container has nothing inside.
- non-standard unit
- A thing we use to measure, like a cup or a cube, that is not a standard measure.
Help your child at home
What to watch for
- A bigger object is always heavier.
- Help: Use the balance to check. A big balloon is lighter than a small stone.
- A bigger object always weighs more cubes.
- Help: Use the balance to check. A big empty box may weigh less than a small stone.
- A taller container always holds more.
- Help: A short wide glass can hold more than a tall thin bottle. Check by pouring.
- A taller container always holds more cups.
- Help: Measure with cups. A short wide container may hold more cups than a tall thin one.
Try this at home
- Show a balance with a book on one side and a pencil on the other; the book side is down. Ask which is heavier.
- Show a balance with a book on one side and 5 cubes on the other, balanced. Ask how many cubes the book weighs.
- Show a glass full of water and an empty glass. Ask which is full.
- Show a jug being filled with 4 cups of water. Ask how many cups the jug holds.
Quick questions to ask aloud
- On a balance, the book side goes down. Which is heavier? (The book / The pencil / Both are the same)
Show answer
The side that goes down is heavier. The book side is down, so the book is heavier. - A book balances with 5 cubes. How many cubes does the book weigh?
Show answer
The book weighs the same as 5 cubes. So it weighs 5 cubes. - Which glass is full? (A glass with water up to the top / A glass with water up to the middle / A glass with no water)
Show answer
A glass with water up to the top. Full means no space left. The glass with water up to the top is full.
Frequently asked questions
What will my child learn in "Heavy, Light, Full and Empty" (Class 2 Maths)?
Your child will be able to: compare the weight of two objects using a simple balance and say which is heavier or lighter.; measure the weight of an object using non-standard units (like cubes or marbles) and state the weight in those units.; compare the capacity of two containers by filling one with another and say which holds more or less.; measure the capacity of a container using a non-standard unit (like a cup) and state the capacity in those units..
How does MangoMindz teach "Heavy, Light, Full and Empty"?
In 4 short parts (Heavy or Light, Weighing with Cubes, Full or Empty, Measuring with Cups). Each part has a picture-based lesson read aloud by Mango Teacher, a quick check, and a quiz built from common mistakes children make, with Mango, a study buddy, for questions.
How long does "Heavy, Light, Full and Empty" take?
About 120 minutes in total, spread over 4 parts of 15–25 minutes each.
How can I help my child with "Heavy, Light, Full and Empty" at home?
Work through a small example together, such as: Show a balance with a book on one side and a pencil on the other; the book side is down. Ask which is heavier.; Show a balance with a book on one side and 5 cubes on the other, balanced. Ask how many cubes the book weighs.. Then ask a quick question aloud: On a balance, the book side goes down. Which is heavier? (The book / The pencil / Both are the same)
What mistakes do children often make in "Heavy, Light, Full and Empty"?
A bigger object is always heavier. Fix: Use the balance to check. A big balloon is lighter than a small stone. A bigger object always weighs more cubes. Fix: Use the balance to check. A big empty box may weigh less than a small stone. A taller container always holds more. Fix: A short wide glass can hold more than a tall thin bottle. Check by pouring.
Is "Heavy, Light, Full and Empty" free on MangoMindz?
Yes. Every lesson part and quiz in "Heavy, Light, Full and Empty" is free on MangoMindz, with no ads.