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The Balance Scales block displays an interactive set of balance scales that tilt based on the values placed on each side. Use it to demonstrate comparison, equality, and measurement concepts visually. This is a display block for teaching and demonstration. Learners can view the scales but aren’t assessed on using them.
For assessable activities where learners interact with the scales to answer a question, use the Balance Scales Question block instead.

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When to use Balance Scales blocks

Balance Scales blocks work well for:
  • Demonstrating greater than, less than, and equal to concepts
  • Comparing numbers, weights, or values visually
  • Introducing the idea of equations and balance
  • Providing visual references alongside question content
  • Teaching measurement and estimation skills

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Settings

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Value settings

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Left value
input
default:"4"
The value displayed on the left side of the scales.
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Right value
input
default:"6"
The value displayed on the right side of the scales.
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Minimum value
input
default:"0"
The lowest value allowed on the scales.
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Maximum value
input
default:"20"
The highest value allowed on the scales.

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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 display size of the scales:
  • Small: Compact display
  • Medium: Standard display
  • Large: Larger display for projection or emphasis
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Tilt sensitivity
slider
default:"1"
Controls how dramatically the scales tilt based on the difference between values (0.2 to 2). Higher values create a more pronounced tilt.

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Tips for teachers and parents

Best practices:
  • Start with simple whole-number comparisons before introducing larger ranges
  • Use Show values turned off for estimation activities where learners predict which side is heavier
  • Pair with Balance Scales Question blocks to create teach-then-assess sequences
  • Adjust Tilt sensitivity to make differences more or less obvious depending on the activity
  • Add images to each side to connect abstract numbers to real-world objects