What Are Time Zones?
Our planet is divided into 24 time zones, each about 15 degrees of longitude wide.
Because Earth rotates, different parts of the world experience daylight and nighttime at different times. Time zones help us keep track of what time it is in different places around the world!
How Time Zones Work
1️⃣ The world is divided into 24 time zones (one for each hour of the day)
2️⃣ Each time zone is about 15 degrees of longitude wide
3️⃣ When you travel east, time moves forward. When you travel west, time moves backward
Let's Practice!
Example 1: Time Zone Calculator
If it's 3:00 PM in New York (Eastern Time), what time is it in these cities?
to
Example 2: Flight Time Calculator
Your flight leaves London at 10:00 AM and arrives in New York 7 hours later. What time will it be in New York when you arrive?
London (GMT) departure:
Flight duration: hours
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use a world map or globe to show how time zones work - mark cities in different zones to make it visual
- When watching international sports events, calculate what time it is in the host country
- If you have friends or family in different time zones, practice calculating their current time