This activity is related to understanding the addition of doubles. Pupils often have difficulty understanding the "maths" involved in problems and it is important to check that they understand the concepts. Pupils should be encouraged to explain their methods and reasoning as this helps them make conceptual links.

Prior learning
Children should have had practical experience and understand the meaning of balancing. They should also have some understanding of the operation of addition, including doubles.

Ability level

• consolidation and practice to build the children's confidence

Aim of the pupil activity
This will give pupils further practice in solving problems and consolidate their understanding of the addition of doubles.

Using the teacher activity
Ask the children to describe what they can see on the screen. Pay particular attention to the balances at the top of the screen, and ensure that pupils understand what "balance" means.
Click on the button to reach the first screen showing 2 apples in the left hand pan. Explain that bricks must be added to the right hand pan to balance them. Place the bricks, one at a time and counting as you do so, in the right hand pan until the scales balance. Explain that 2 bricks balance 1 apple and 4 bricks balance 2 apples.
Click on the next button. Ask the children if they can explain what has to be done to balance the scales. Demonstrate.

Using the pupil activity
Put some examples on the board and ask children to explain how they would solve the problems.

Extension activities
Children begin to balance three items. Do this in a practical context first before progressing to recording details.

Printables

• blank balancing recording sheet
• balancing fruit