X Tables
Real World Maths Adventures

The school-run time-traveller quest

Plan routes, clocks and arrival times as a journey adventure.

Quick answer

You can plan your journey time-travel adventure by using clocks, calculating how long trips take, and working out when you need to leave to arrive on time.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to plan a journey using a clock to work out how long it takes, and when you need to start your trip to arrive on time. Success signs:
  • You can read the time on an analogue clock and tell the time to the nearest 5 minutes
  • You can add minutes to a starting time to find an arrival time
  • You can subtract minutes from an arrival time to find a start time
  • You can plan a short journey by working out when to leave

Why this matters

Time-travel adventures are fun, but in real life, planning journeys using time helps you get to school, the park, or your friend's house on time. It's like being a time-traveller, but with real clocks and real places. When you know how to work with time, you can make sure you don't miss your bus, or that you arrive early to play with friends.

How it works

Planning a journey with time means:
  1. Looking at the time now
  2. Knowing how long your trip will take
  3. Adding the trip time to your starting time to find your arrival time
  4. Or subtracting the trip time from your arrival time to find when to start

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're a time-traveller on a mission to visit your friend at school. You know the journey takes 15 minutes. Example 1: Finding arrival time If you leave at 9:15, and the journey takes 15 minutes, you arrive at:
  • 9:15 + 15 minutes = 9:30
Example 2: Finding start time If you need to arrive at 9:30 and the journey takes 15 minutes, you must leave at:
  • 9:30 - 15 minutes = 9:15
Example 3: Journey with a longer wait If you need to arrive at 10:00, and the journey takes 20 minutes, you must leave at:
  • 10:00 - 20 minutes = 9:40

Try it as a mini adventure

The School-Run Time-Traveler Quest You are a time-traveller who must get to school on time. Your mission: plan your journey using a clock. Step 1: Your school starts at 9:00. You want to arrive 10 minutes early to get ready. What time should you leave?
  • 9:00 - 10 minutes = ?
Step 2: It takes 12 minutes to walk to school. What time should you leave?
  • ? - 12 minutes = 8:50
Step 3: You start your journey at 8:40. You walk for 15 minutes. What time do you arrive?
  • 8:40 + 15 minutes = ?
Step 4: You arrive at 9:10, but your friend is late. They arrive 5 minutes after you. What time does your friend arrive?
  • 9:10 + 5 minutes = ?
Step 5: Your friend arrives at 9:25, and you need to wait 10 minutes before the bell. What time is the bell?
  • 9:25 + 10 minutes = ?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting that 60 minutes = 1 hour
    • Why it happens: Children might add 15 minutes to 9:45 and get 9:60
    • Fix: When minutes go over 60, remember to move to the next hour
  • Mistake: Not checking if time makes sense
    • Why it happens: A child might say you arrive at 9:75
    • Fix: Always double-check your time makes sense
  • Mistake: Mixing up adding and subtracting
    • Why it happens: A child might add time when they should subtract
    • Fix: Ask, "Are we going forward or backward in time?"

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Practising telling time together using a clock or watch
  • Using real-life situations like "If we leave at 3:30 and it takes 20 minutes, what time will we arrive?"
  • Letting them plan a short journey with a friend or family member
  • Using a timer or phone to show how long it takes to walk from the front door to the kitchen
  • Encouraging them to think about how early they need to leave to be on time

Practice questions

  1. If you start at 8:20 and walk for 10 minutes, what time do you arrive?
  2. If you need to arrive at 9:45 and the journey takes 15 minutes, what time should you leave?
  3. If you leave at 9:15 and walk for 20 minutes, what time do you arrive?
  4. If you arrive at 10:00 and wait 5 minutes, what time is it?
  5. If you leave at 8:30 and walk for 25 minutes, what time do you arrive?
Answers:
  1. 8:30
  2. 9:30
  3. 9:35
  4. 10:05
  5. 8:55

FAQ

How do I know if it's morning or afternoon?

Look at the numbers on the clock. If it's between 12 and 6, it's usually morning. If it's between 6 and 12, it's usually afternoon.

Can I use a digital clock instead of an analogue one?

Yes! Both clocks show the same time. Digital clocks show numbers like 9:30, while analogue clocks use the hands to show the same time.

What if my journey takes more than an hour?

If your journey takes more than an hour, you can break it down. For example, 1 hour and 15 minutes means 60 minutes plus 15 minutes.

How can I practice more time problems?

Try planning your daily routine using a clock. For example, what time do you wake up, eat breakfast, and go to school?

Why is learning time important?

Time helps you know when to do things. It helps you be on time for school, sports, and fun activities. It's like a helper that makes sure you don't miss anything important.