Time Zones
Timing: 1 x 45 minute blocks
CROSS-CURRICULAR: Mathematics, Social Studies
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Sample Grade 5
OVERVIEW: This lesson explores time zones and how it impacts travelling around the world.
CURRICULUM SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / VALUES:
Students will:
- read and interpret the information provided on a world map outlining time zones
- be able to give concrete examples of what time of day it would be in the home country compared to a specific time at the present host city for an international event such as a World Championships or Paralympic Games.
TEACHING MATERIALS:
- computer and printer access
- pencils, pens, paper
- websites for world maps
- websites for maps with time zones
Teaching Activities
- With the class, brainstorm situations where knowledge of time zones would be required (e.g. catching a plane, phoning another country, watching the Wheelchair Rugby Championships on television or in the home country).
- Discuss the time zones in Canada and locate the International Date Line on the world map. Talk about a time when travelling that students (or their parents) arrived at their destination and had to change their watches or noticed they had lost or gained a whole day.
- In small groups, have students calculate the time in competing countries based on a specific time in British Columbia, Canada.
- In small groups, have students make up 5 quiz cards for classmates; e.g. “What time will it be in (country of origin) ____________ when the (team’s name) ____________________ are playing in the current World Championships or Paralympic Games?” or “How many time zones did (team’s name) ___________ travel to get to the host city?”