Spin to Discover Time
Social Studies
30 Min
activityThis Spark helps children understand why our world is divided into different time zones. Through hands-on exploration with a spinning globe model, they'll connect Earth's rotation and the 24-hour day to the concept of distinct time zones around the planet. The challenge is to model how different parts of Earth experience day and night at different times.
The lesson goal is children will observe how Earth's spin makes different places experience day and night at various times. They will connect the 24-hour day to why our planet is divided into 24 time zones and explain why clocks around the world show different times.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Breakfast Time, Everywhere!5 Min
- Start with breakfast and ask the current time.
- Ask what time it might be for someone far away.
- Move on when Child acknowledges that time might be different for people in other parts of the world.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels - 2
Spinning Earth, Changing Light8 Min
- Set up the round object and flashlight.
- Slowly spin the object and observe day and night.
- Ask where it's light and where it's dark.
- Move on when Child observes the creation of day and night on the spinning object and understands that different parts experience light at different times.
Photo by Steve A Johnson on Pexels - 3
Slicing Up the Day6 Min
- Connect Earth's 24-hour spin to time slices.
- Introduce and define 'time zone' simply.
- Ask how many time zones might be needed.
- Move on when Child can describe what a time zone is in simple terms and connect it to Earth's 24-hour rotation.
Photo by Marina Leonova on Pexels - 4
Making Our Time Zone Model9 Min
- Take the marker and the round object.
- Draw 24 lines from top to bottom, like slices.
- Count the created sections together.
- Move on when The round object is marked with approximately 24 divisions representing time zones.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels - 5
Why 24?2 Min
- Ask how Earth's spin creates different times.
- Ask how 24 hours connects to 24 time zones.
- Move on when Child can articulate the relationship between Earth's spin, 24 hours, and 24 time zones.
Photo by Karina Badura on Pexels
Why is it day here, night there?
Social Studies30 MinactivityThis Spark helps children understand why our world is divided into different time zones. Through hands-on exploration with a spinning globe model, they'll connect Earth's rotation and the 24-hour day to the concept of distinct time zones around the planet. The challenge is to model how different parts of Earth experience day and night at different times.
Our Goal is children will observe how Earth's spin makes different places experience day and night at various times. They will connect the 24-hour day to why our planet is divided into 24 time zones and explain why clocks around the world show different times.
What You Need
Missing something? In the app, Mai suggests swap ideas.
Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Breakfast Time, Everywhere!5 Min
- Start with breakfast and ask the current time.
- Ask what time it might be for someone far away.
- Move on when Child acknowledges that time might be different for people in other parts of the world.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels - 2
Spinning Earth, Changing Light8 Min
- Set up the round object and flashlight.
- Slowly spin the object and observe day and night.
- Ask where it's light and where it's dark.
- Move on when Child observes the creation of day and night on the spinning object and understands that different parts experience light at different times.
Photo by Steve A Johnson on Pexels - 3
Slicing Up the Day6 Min
- Connect Earth's 24-hour spin to time slices.
- Introduce and define 'time zone' simply.
- Ask how many time zones might be needed.
- Move on when Child can describe what a time zone is in simple terms and connect it to Earth's 24-hour rotation.
Photo by Marina Leonova on Pexels - 4
Making Our Time Zone Model9 Min
- Take the marker and the round object.
- Draw 24 lines from top to bottom, like slices.
- Count the created sections together.
- Move on when The round object is marked with approximately 24 divisions representing time zones.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels - 5
Why 24?2 Min
- Ask how Earth's spin creates different times.
- Ask how 24 hours connects to 24 time zones.
- Move on when Child can articulate the relationship between Earth's spin, 24 hours, and 24 time zones.
Photo by Karina Badura on Pexels
In The Mai App
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Mai Leads It
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Step-By-Step
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Quick Swaps
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Beyond The Spark
After, a fun fact, a challenge and a Table Talk question.