Maths Adventures
Arctic maths quest: time
A story-led junior maths adventure using ice maps, temperature and survival supplies to read clocks, plan routes and beat countdowns.
Quick answer
You can use clocks to plan your Arctic journey, track time for survival, and keep your supplies fresh.Learning outcome
By the end of this Arctic maths quest, you will be able to tell the time on an analog clock, understand how to read time in hours and half-hours, and use time to plan your survival journey. Success signs:- You can read the time when the big hand is on 12 and the little hand points to any number
- You can tell the time when the big hand is on 6 and the little hand is halfway between two numbers
- You can plan a journey using time, like how long it takes to walk from your tent to the ice cave
- You can understand that time moves forward and can be used to keep track of important events
Why this matters
Time helps you know when to eat, when to rest, and when to start your next journey. In the Arctic, time can mean the difference between survival and danger. Whether you're planning a trip to find food, checking the temperature, or making sure your supplies don't melt, time is your best friend. Learning to read time helps you make smart decisions and stay safe.How it works
Time is shown on clocks with two hands: a short hand (the hour hand) and a long hand (the minute hand). The hour hand shows which hour it is, and the minute hand shows how many minutes have passed in that hour. When the minute hand points to 12, it's "o’clock." When it points to 6, it's "half past" the hour. Let’s start with a simple example:- If the hour hand points to 3 and the minute hand points to 12, the time is 3 o’clock.
- If the hour hand points to 3 and the minute hand points to 6, the time is 3:30 (half past 3).
Examples you can see
Let’s go on an Arctic adventure and use time to solve puzzles! Adventure 1: Reading the Ice Clock You find a special ice clock that shows the time. It’s 11 o’clock in the morning. You need to meet your team at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. How long do you have to get ready?- From 11 o’clock to 12 o’clock = 1 hour
- From 12 o’clock to 1 o’clock = 1 hour
- Total time = 2 hours
- Start time = 9:15
- Walk time = 30 minutes
- Arrival time = 9:45
- Start temperature = -10 degrees
- Each hour = +5 degrees
- After 1 hour = -10 + 5 = -5 degrees
- After 2 hours = -5 + 5 = 0 degrees
- After 3 hours = 0 + 5 = 5 degrees
- Start time = 9:00
- End time = 11:30
- Duration = 2 hours and 30 minutes
Try it as a mini adventure
Arctic Time Quest You are an explorer in the Arctic, and you have a special mission. You must reach the ice cave before the temperature drops below -15 degrees. The cave is 45 minutes away from your tent. Your tent shows the time 8:15 a.m. and the temperature is -10 degrees. The temperature drops by 3 degrees every 15 minutes. Step-by-step challenge:- Start time: 8:15 a.m.
- Distance to cave: 45 minutes
- Arrival time: 8:15 + 45 minutes = 9:00 a.m.
- Temperature drops by 3 degrees every 15 minutes
- At 8:30 a.m., temperature = -10 + 3 = -7 degrees
- At 8:45 a.m., temperature = -7 + 3 = -4 degrees
- At 9:00 a.m., temperature = -4 + 3 = -1 degree
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking the minute hand shows the hour.
Why it happens: Children often mix up the two hands.
Fix: Remember the long hand is always the minute hand and the short hand is the hour hand. - Mistake: Confusing "half past" with "quarter to."
Why it happens: Both times look similar on the clock.
Fix: Practice saying "half past" when the minute hand is on 6. - Mistake: Not counting hours correctly when adding time.
Why it happens: Children can get confused when crossing from one hour to the next.
Fix: Use a clock or number line to help count hours and minutes.
Parent and carer guide
You can help your child by:- Practicing telling time using a real clock or a digital clock with an analog face
- Using daily activities to practice time, such as "We’ll leave for school at 8:30" or "It’s half past four"
- Playing a game where you ask, "If we start at 9:15 and walk for 30 minutes, what time will we arrive?"
- Using a timer to show how long activities take, like reading or playing
- Checking if your child can read time in hours and half-hours, and help them if they’re struggling
- Keep it fun and relaxed
- Don’t correct every mistake, but gently guide them back on track
- Use real clocks or time games to make it hands-on
- Ask your child to tell you the time during daily routines
Practice questions
- What time is it if the hour hand points to 4 and the minute hand points to 12?
- If it's 10:30 now, what time will it be in 1 hour and 15 minutes?
- How many minutes are there from 2:15 to 3:00?
- What time is it if the hour hand is halfway between 6 and 7, and the minute hand points to 6?
- If you start your journey at 7:45 and it takes 25 minutes, what time will you arrive?
- 4 o’clock
- 11:45
- 45 minutes
- 6:30
- 8:10
FAQ
Why do we need to learn to tell time?
Telling time helps us plan our day, know when to eat, sleep, or play. It helps us be on time for school, appointments, and fun events.
How can I practice telling time at home?
You can practice by asking your child to tell you the time on a clock, or by setting a timer for different activities like reading or cleaning.
What’s the difference between 12 o’clock and 12:30?
12 o’clock means exactly 12:00, while 12:30 means 30 minutes after 12 o’clock, or half past 12.
How do I know if it’s morning or afternoon?
Use the phrase "morning" or "afternoon" to help remember. If it’s before noon, it’s morning. If it’s after noon, it’s afternoon.
Can I use time to plan my Arctic journey?
Yes! Time helps you know how long your journey takes, when to start, and when to reach your destination. It helps you stay safe and organized in the cold.