Weight is the force that gravity exerts on an object and so can vary from place to place.
The terms mass and weight are used loosely, and inaccurately, in everyday speech to mean the same thing. The NZ curriculum document reflects the correct use of the terminology and uses the term mass not weight. Describe the weight of objects using comparative language, for example, heavier, lighter. A mass need to be brought to many children s attention as it is not an attribute that can be seen. They should learn to pick up and pull objects to feel their heaviness.