Same, but different! Use identical objects to learn about weight

What you need 

• Two containers (with lids) which are identical – this could be two empty ice cream pots 
• Lightweight items, like socks or paper, to fill one container 
• Heavy items, like pebbles or cutlery, to fill the other container 

What to do 

• Fill one container with the heavy items, and one with the light items and put the lids on. You can tape the lid on if it is easy to get off. 
• Leave the containers out, together, for your toddler to find and explore.  
• When your toddler begins to play with them, they will notice that one is heavier and harder to move than the other. They might be surprised by this, especially as the containers look identical.  
• If they look to you for more information, you can explain that one is heavy and the other is light. Your toddler may shake them, or turn them over, to look for other differences or to see if it changes the weight.  
• Let them explore for as long as they are interested. If they’re very curious they might enjoy using scales to weigh each one, or placing them on a see-saw type set-up using a piece of wood balanced on a rolling pin to see which is heavier.  

Good to know 

Once you have explored the pots and talked about the weight difference, your toddler might want to open up the containers to see the different fillings. This will help them understand that although they look the same on the outside, different items inside make a difference to the weight.