> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.edzo.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Balance Scales Block

> Learn how to use Balance Scales blocks to demonstrate measurement and comparison concepts.

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.

<Info>
  For assessable balance scales activities where learners must balance the scales or compare weights, use the [Balance Scales Question](/creating/resources/question-blocks/balance-scales-question) block instead.
</Info>

## 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

## Settings

### Values

<ParamField path="Left value" default="4" type="text">
  The value (weight) placed on the left side of the scales.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Right value" default="6" type="text">
  The value (weight) placed on the right side of the scales.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Minimum value" default="0" type="text">
  The minimum value that can be placed on either side.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Maximum value" default="20" type="text">
  The maximum value that can be placed on either side.
</ParamField>

### Display settings

<ParamField path="Show values" default="true" type="switch">
  When enabled, displays the numeric values on each side of the scales.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Size" default="Medium" type="select">
  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
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Tilt sensitivity" default="1.0" type="slider">
  Controls how much the scales tilt based on the weight difference. Higher values create more dramatic tilting.
</ParamField>

### Images

<ParamField path="Left image" type="image">
  Optional image to display on the left side of the scales instead of or alongside the numeric value.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Right image" type="image">
  Optional image to display on the right side of the scales instead of or alongside the numeric value.
</ParamField>

## 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

## Related blocks

* [Balance Scales Question](/creating/resources/question-blocks/balance-scales-question). Assessable version where learners balance the scales or solve problems