How to Balance With Beads

There are many different math curriculum and materials available to teach elementary-aged children. Certain curriculum use hands-on manipulatives, which can be used in conjunction with workbooks or lessons to help children visually see what they are learning. For example, you can teach young children about measurement by providing them with individual or grouped beads and a balance scale, on which they can work simple mathematical problems, such as equivalencies or even basic counting.

Things You'll Need

  • Beads
  • Wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Needle-nosed pliers
  • Scale
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide multiple beads onto a section of wire, and curl the ends to secure the beads on using needle-nosed pliers. Cut the wire to the length you want using wire cutters, and slide on a certain number of beads. Repeat this process to create beaded strands of two, three, four, five and six beads.

    • 2

      Place a balance scale onto a flat surface, such as a counter top or table.

    • 3

      Place a few different strands of beads onto one side of the balance scale. This will cause the scale to slant to one side.

    • 4

      Add on other strands of beads to the other side to make the scale balanced.

    • 5

      Take note of the different values you placed on either side of the scale. For example, you can add strands of four and three to one side of the balance scale, and strands of two and five to the other side. Because both sides will equal seven beads, they will be equalized.

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