Understanding Weight Units
Weight is how heavy something is!
In the United States, we use three main customary units to measure weight: ounces (oz), pounds (lb), and
tons. Each unit is good for measuring different things, just like we use different sized cups to measure
ingredients when baking!
When to Use Each Unit
1️⃣ Ounces (oz) - For light things like a slice of bread or a letter
2️⃣ Pounds (lb) - For medium things like a bag of flour or a backpack
3️⃣ Tons - For very heavy things like a car or an elephant
Let's Practice Choosing Units!
What unit would you use to measure a teddy bear?
Apple
Backpack
Truck
Match each item to its best weight unit:
Apple:
Backpack:
Truck:
Parent Tips 🌟
- Kitchen scale fun: Use a kitchen scale to weigh different foods in ounces and pounds - compare a slice of bread (ounces) to a bag of flour (pounds).
- Real-world comparisons: At the grocery store, point out how light items are measured in ounces (chips) and heavier items in pounds (meat).
- Estimation game: Play "guess the unit" with household items - have your child guess whether you'd measure it in ounces, pounds, or tons before revealing the answer.