Helpsheet:Weighing and Measuring

Reference Licence to Cook:

For good results in most recipes accurate weighing and measuring is essential. Adding extra apples to a pie will not cause too many problems but when you are baking with sugar, flour, fats and liquids the quantities and proportions are important.

Pupils need to be taught how to weigh and measure accurately and to do that you will need the correct pieces of equipment. Many pupils will not have access to scales/measures at home and will therefore need to measure all their ingredients in the food technology room.

Think about:

  • Types of scales and where to store them. How many are needed?
  • Can pupils read the scales easily? Will SEN pupils need different types or extra guidance?
  • Do you have accurate measuring spoons?
  • Check the measuring jugs – can you read it easily? If you cannot nor will the pupils!

Types of Weighing Scales

Digital scales
  • accurate and easy to use
  • most have an ‘add and weigh’ system
  • easy to keep clean
  • check for auto switch off – batteries can run out quickly!
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Balance Scales
  • easy to use, younger pupils familiar with this type
  • difficult to keep track of individual weights
  • often heavyweight and sturdy
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Spring Balance Scales
  • check how stable the scales are whenloaded
  • make sure the pointer is on zero beforeweighing
  • work out a system to keep scale pans with the base
  • teach the pupils how to read the dial – how many grams for each sector?
  • avoid diet scales – they are too small
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Tips

  • demonstrate the use of all types of scales so pupils know exactly how to use them – don’t expect them to know
  • always place on a flat stable surface – pupils will often have the odd bag lurking underneath!
  • Make sure the pupils understand what each sector is worth e.g. 25grams
  • Check if pupils with SEN can read the scales – a coloured dot on the 50g and 100g marks can help

Measuring Jugs

There are many different types of measuring jugs available; many schools will opt for plastic rather than glass for obvious reasons. It is useful to have a glass jug for teacher use so that pupils can see the liquids inside when you are demonstrating. Talking measuring jugs are available for visually impaired students.

Check that you can read the marking easily and that it has appropriate measurements. Most will have millilitres (mls) and fluid ounces (fl oz) and/or pints. Always work in millilitres with the pupils. These jugs should be used for measuring liquids.

Tips

  • demonstrate how to measure liquids accurately
  • check the pupils understand the markings and get them to practice measuring water
  • always place the jug on a flat surface; do not allow them to hold a jug midair and measure
  • avoid mixing metric and imperial weights and measures

Measuring spoons

Measuring spoons provide accurate measurement as cutlery varies greatly in size! There are many different types available; cheap plastic versions are often very flimsy and will not last very long in a food technology room. Invest in good quality plastic or stainless steel measures.

Tips

  • demonstrate how to measure with these spoons
  • show pupils how to use a knife to remove the excess ingredient
  • Run a knife or spatula across the top to level the surface and scrape any excess back into the jar or container.

The information provided in this guidance note is provided under the Open Government Licence. Terms can be found at: This resource was developed for the DfE Teach Food Technology programme.