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The Balance Scales block displays an interactive balance scales visualization. Use it to demonstrate measurement concepts, show comparisons between quantities, or illustrate equality and inequality. This is a display block for teaching and demonstration. Learners can view and interact with the scales but aren’t assessed on it.
For assessable balance scales activities where learners must balance the scales or compare weights, use the Balance Scales Question block instead.

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When to use Balance Scales blocks

Balance Scales blocks work well for:
  • Demonstrating measurement and comparison concepts
  • Showing equality and inequality relationships
  • Illustrating weight and mass concepts
  • Teaching estimation and approximation
  • Providing visual models for algebraic thinking

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Settings

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Values

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Left value
text
default:"4"
The value (weight) placed on the left side of the scales.
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Right value
text
default:"6"
The value (weight) placed on the right side of the scales.
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Minimum value
text
default:"0"
The minimum value that can be placed on either side.
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Maximum value
text
default:"20"
The maximum value that can be placed on either side.

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Display settings

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Show values
switch
default:"true"
When enabled, displays the numeric values on each side of the scales.
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Size
select
default:"Medium"
The size of the balance scales display:
  • Small: Compact display for smaller content areas
  • Medium: Standard size for most uses
  • Large: Larger display for emphasis or whole-class viewing
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Tilt sensitivity
slider
default:"1.0"
Controls how much the scales tilt based on the weight difference. Higher values create more dramatic tilting.

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Images

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Left image
image
Optional image to display on the left side of the scales instead of or alongside the numeric value.
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Right image
image
Optional image to display on the right side of the scales instead of or alongside the numeric value.

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Tips for teachers and parents

Best practices:
  • Use equal values to demonstrate balance and equality concepts
  • Start with simple whole numbers before introducing fractions or decimals
  • Add images to make abstract concepts more concrete (e.g., apples, blocks, coins)
  • Hide values when you want learners to estimate or compare visually first
  • Use different tilt sensitivity settings to emphasize the concept being taught
  • Pair with Balance Scales Question blocks to create teach-then-assess sequences