> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://edzo.mintlify.site/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.

> [!NOTE]
>
> For assessable balance scales activities where learners must balance the scales or compare weights, use the [Balance Scales Question](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/question-blocks/balance-scales-question.md) block instead.

## 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

**Left value** `text` (default: 4)

The value (weight) placed on the left side of the scales.

**Right value** `text` (default: 6)

The value (weight) placed on the right side of the scales.

**Minimum value** `text` (default: 0)

The minimum value that can be placed on either side.

**Maximum value** `text` (default: 20)

The maximum value that can be placed on either side.

### Display settings

**Show values** `switch` (default: true)

When enabled, displays the numeric values on each side of the scales.

**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

**Tilt sensitivity** `slider` (default: 1.0)

Controls how much the scales tilt based on the weight difference. Higher values create more dramatic tilting.

### Images

**Left image** `image`

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

**Right image** `image`

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

## 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](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/question-blocks/balance-scales-question.md). Assessable version where learners balance the scales or solve problems


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