Weigh It, Pour It
Class 4 · Mathematics
4 ideas in Class 4 Mathematics, explained in plain words, with games and quizzes to practise.
Grams and Kilograms
Part of: Measuring weight
Weight is how heavy something is. Light things like a pencil are measured in grams (g). Heavy things like a bag of rice are measured in kilograms (kg). 1 kilogram is the same as 1000 grams, so 2 kg is 2000 g.
Why it matters. Children meet these units on every packet at home and in shops. Without them, they cannot tell how much they are buying or compare two packets properly.
Try it in two minutes
- Collect three packets from the kitchen and read the weight printed on each one.
- Ask: which packets are in grams and which are in kilograms? Why do you think so?
- Hold a 1 kg packet and then a small 100 g packet. Ask which one feels heavier and by how many times.
Try at home. Ask your child to find five things at home that are best weighed in grams and five that are best weighed in kilograms.
Parts of a Kilogram
Part of: Measuring weight
A kilogram can be broken into smaller packets. Two packets of 500 g make 1 kg, so 500 g is half a kilogram. Four packets of 250 g make 1 kg, and ten packets of 100 g make 1 kg.
Why it matters. Shops sell things in such packet sizes every day. Knowing how they add up helps children check bills and share things fairly.
Try it in two minutes
- Take 500 g, 250 g and 100 g packets or weights if you have them, or use pictures on grocery packets.
- Ask: how many 500 g packets make 1 kg? How many 250 g packets?
- Ask: if you need 750 g, which packets could you use?
Try at home. Ask your child to plan how to get exactly 1 kg of rice using only 250 g packets, then using only 100 g packets.
Heavier, Lighter and Balance
Part of: Measuring weight
A pan balance has two pans. The heavier side goes down and the lighter side goes up. If both pans stay level, the two sides weigh the same. Many small weights can balance one big weight, for example five 100 g weights balance one 500 g weight.
Why it matters. Comparing and estimating weights helps children judge amounts before measuring and spot answers that cannot be right.
Try it in two minutes
- Make a simple balance by hanging two bags from a coat hanger or a stick.
- Put a small object in one bag and ask your child to guess which side will go down before adding a second object.
- Try to make the balance level by adding lighter things to one side.
Try at home. Ask your child to guess whether three everyday things weigh more or less than 1 kg, then check with kitchen scales.
Litres and Millilitres
Part of: Measuring capacity
Capacity is how much liquid a container can hold. Big amounts are measured in litres (l) and small amounts in millilitres (ml). 1 litre is the same as 1000 millilitres. Four glasses of 250 ml fill a 1 litre bottle.
Why it matters. Milk, juice, oil and medicine are all sold by capacity. Knowing the units helps children read labels and pour the right amount.
Try it in two minutes
- Place a 1 litre bottle, a glass and a small spoon on the table.
- Ask: which one holds the most? Which holds the least?
- Use a small cup of known size to fill the bottle and count how many cups it takes.
Try at home. Ask your child to look at labels on three bottles at home and say whether each one holds more than, less than or exactly 1 litre.
What your child will practise
- Grams and Kilograms: Desert Quest (Flip and Match)
- Grams and Kilograms: Ocean Puzzle (Clue Puzzle)
- Heavier, Lighter and Balance: Jungle Quest (Collect the Answer)
- Litres and Millilitres: Kitchen Sort (Sort It Out)
- Parts of a Kilogram: Desert Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
- Quiz: Grams and Kilograms (8 questions)
- Quiz: Heavier, Lighter and Balance (8 questions)
- Quiz: Litres and Millilitres (8 questions)
- Quiz: Parts of a Kilogram (8 questions)