Mass vs Weight
Distinguish between mass (amount of matter, measured in kg) and weight (gravitational force, measured in N), use the equation weight = mass × gravitational field strength, and explain why g differs on other planets and stars
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Mass vs Weight means practising the idea at the table with a simple hands-on check. We will demo once, then your child tries.”
Bring to the table
- A small toy car or ball
- A ramp or book stack and a ruler
Extra for the adult
Worked example. A stronger push sends the car farther down the table than a gentle push.
Optional challenge. For Mass vs Weight, add one harder example after success.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: examples tried; results; support used. This session samples Mass vs Weight, not mastery.
Share and support
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Practice this concept
Start practiceMass vs Weight practice
Practice key ideas from Mass vs Weight.
Free · no login · no ads · Practice answers and completion are not saved. Parent observation remains the lesson record.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
Gravity Force Lab
Before you open · source notes
Gravity Force Lab supports hands-on exploration for Mass vs Weight. Not every lab worksheet.
Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
PhET Interactive Simulations. “Gravity Force Lab.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Explains the difference between mass and weight with correct units for each
- Calculates weight using W = mg with g = 10 N/kg on Earth
- Predicts what would happen to an object's weight on the Moon or Jupiter
- Explains why mass stays constant but weight changes in different gravitational fields
“If your child weighed themselves on bathroom scales and was then asked what they would weigh on the Moon, could they explain the difference between mass and weight and work out a rough answer?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Forces & Motion
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards