Weighing
Galt has a whole range of scales on offer and this set (below, also shown on our cover) is particularly suitable for class work - the transparent buckets allow for easy demonstration and help to keep children focused and on task. The buckets hold up to half a litre, are removable for cleaning and are calibrated with grams and ounces. Priced 7.99.
Telephone 08451 203005
www.galt-educational.co.uk
The Junior Pan Balance (shown above) is the latest addition to Learning Resources Numeracy Skills range. The balance is designed to be easy for younger children to handle. Its transparent pans are detachable and can hold solids or liquid up to 500ml. The scales measure 36 x 11 x 15cm and are suitable for four-year-olds upwards. Priced 9.95.
The Super Bucket Balance, also from Learning Resources, is particularly useful for weighing liquids because the transparent buckets hold up to one litre and each has a pouring spout. The buckets are designed to be easy to grip and are made from 'heavy-duty' plastic that wipes clean. The balance has a damping button to steady the swing arm and prevent the buckets from rocking during measuring. It also comes with a built-in carrying handle and a compensator with sensitivity to one gram. The balance measures 37 x 14 x 13cm and is suitable for three-year-olds upwards. Priced 12.95.
Telephone 0845 241 0484
www.learningresources.co.uk
The Beamer Balance (left) is designed to be hard wearing and accurate while being compact and easy to store away. The bright yellow and bright red hoppers each hold 1/2 litre up to a filling mark. The balance is priced 5.95. A larger Super Beamer Balance is also available and this, according to the maker, will weigh up to one litre of water against sand.
This balance is available with coloured or clear buckets, priced from Pounds 8.30. All from Economatics.
Telephone 0114 281 3311
www.economatics-education.co.uk
Pintoy's Balance Scales from John Crane could provide a gentle introduction to weighing for the youngest in the group. They are made from ethically-sourced rubber wood and measure 120 x 325 x 160mm. The scales have fixed pans and are sturdy enough to cope with weighing pieces of fruit, or similar. There is a calibrated panel on the central pillar of the scales and they are suitable for two-year-olds and upwards, priced 13.99.
Telephone 01604 774949
www.john-crane.co.uk
Measuring
One surefire way to encourage children's interest in the possibilities of measuring is to let them keep a record of their own growth.
Galt's Mirror Height Measure is large enough for group work and enables the children to measure their height in reflection form. The mirror is made from safety glass and the height chart is calibrated in centimetres and inches. Colourful animal designs alongside each 10cm block help non-readers to ascertain where they are on the scale. The Mirror Measure's dimensions are 105 x 500cm, priced 39.95. Galt also stocks a Height Measure that can be folded away flat when not in use. This is a free-standing measure with a floor panel and sliding head gauge. The Height Measure was designed by a leading paediatrician and could be used in the medical room as well as the class. It extends to over 2m and comes with a PVC workcard and wall fixings, priced 22.95.
Contacts as before
Economatics stocks a Foot and Hand Measure that you could also use as part of a growth project. The measure will accurately gauge up to adult size and itself measures 40(l) x 22(w)cm when packed away. Priced 11.95.
Contacts as before
The Trundle Wheel (right) is new to Learning Resources and could be just the thing to encourage the children to take some exercise while they are measuring, as the counter on the wheel reads up to 99,999 metres. The counter also clicks with each metre to help children to count and measure and it has an easy-grip, adjustable handle to accommodate different heights, up to adult. The trundle comes with a calibrated wheel and a non-slip rubber tyre to help keep children on task! Priced 22.95.
This company also has a range of tape measures that is designed with younger children in mind. The set of three tape measures is intended to be especially easy to wind up, has a removable handle for easy control and a bright green, durable casing to enable it to withstand rough treatment.
Suitable for three-year-olds upwards, the measures come in 10m, 30m and 50m lengths that have centimetres and millimetres on one side and inches and feet on the other. Priced 9.95, 14.95 and 17.95 respectively.
In addition, Learning Resources stocks a Folding Metre Stick, priced Pounds 3.95 and English/Metric Tape Measures, priced 7.50 for ten.
Contacts as before Measuring liquid can be especially exciting for young children (you may want to refer to our cover-up feature on page 14) and you could use food dyes in water to make the experiments more colourful and easier to calibrate.
Eduzone has a set of Graduated Beakers, pictured below, made from unbreakable plastic. The five beakers nest one inside the other and measure up to 50, 100, 250, 500ml and one litre. Each has a wide lip for easy pouring. Priced Pounds 13.95 the set.
Eduzone also stocks a set of seven, sturdy polypropylene cylinders that are calibrated from 10ml to a litre, priced 22.95 the set.
Telephone 08456 445556 www.eduzone.co.uk
