Time for Fun: 6th Graders measuring and telling time worksheets

How to use a number line to find elapsed time

One way to find elapsed time is to use a number line. A number line is a line that shows numbers in order from left to right. We can use a number line to represent hours, minutes, or seconds. To find elapsed time using a number line, follow these steps:

• Draw a number line and label it with the start time and the end time of the event.
• Mark the start time with an arrow pointing to the right.
• Mark the end time with an arrow pointing to the left.
• Count the number of units between the two arrows. This is the elapsed time.

For example, suppose you want to find the elapsed time between 7:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. You can draw a number line like this:

The elapsed time is the number of units between the two arrows. Each unit represents 15 minutes. There are six units between the arrows, so the elapsed time is 6 x 15 = 90 minutes.

How to use a T-chart to find elapsed time

Another way to find elapsed time is to use a T-chart. A T-chart is a table that has two columns and several rows. We can use a T-chart to break down the start and end times into hours and minutes. To find elapsed time using a T-chart, we can follow these steps:

• Draw a T-chart and label the columns "Hours" and "Minutes."
• Write the start time in the first row of the T-chart.
• Write the end time in the second row of the T-chart.
• Subtract the hours in the first row from those in the second row. Write the result in the third row under "Hours."
• Subtract the minutes in the first row from those in the second row. If we get a negative number, we can borrow an hour from the "Hours" column and add 60 minutes to it. Write the result in the third row under "Minutes."
• The elapsed time is the sum of the hours and minutes in the third row.

For example, suppose we want to find the elapsed time between 3:40 p.m. and 5:25 p.m. We can draw a T-chart like this:

Hours	Minutes
3	40
5	25
-	-
2	-15

To get rid of the negative sign in the "Minutes" column, borrow an hour from the "Hours" column and add 60 minutes to it. The T-chart becomes:

Hours	Minutes
3	40
5	25
-	-
1	45

The elapsed time is the sum of the hours and minutes in the third row, which is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

How to convert time units using multiplication and division

Sometimes, we may need to convert time units from one to another. For example, students may need to convert hours to minutes, minutes to seconds, or vice versa. To convert time units using multiplication and division, follow these rules:

• To convert a larger unit to a smaller unit, multiply by the number of smaller units in one larger unit.
• To convert a smaller unit to a larger unit, divide by the number of smaller units in one larger unit.

For example, suppose we want to convert 3 hours to minutes. We can multiply by the number of minutes in one hour, which is 60. The result is 3 x 60 = 180 minutes.

Suppose we want to convert 120 seconds to minutes. We can divide by the number of seconds in one minute, which is 60. The result is 120 / 60 = 2 minutes.

How to solve word problems involving elapsed time and time conversion

Word problems are problems that use words to describe a situation that involves math. To solve word problems involving elapsed time and time conversion, follow these steps:

• Read the problem carefully and identify what is given and what is asked.
• Choose a method to find elapsed time or convert time units, such as a number line, a T-chart, or multiplication and division.
• Apply the method and show the solution.
• Write the answer in a complete sentence and check if it makes sense.

For example, suppose we have this word problem:

Anna started baking a cake at 2:15 p.m. She took it out of the oven at 3:05 p.m. How long did it take her to bake the cake?

To solve this problem, we can use a T-chart to find elapsed time. The problem gives us the start time and the end time of the event. The problem asks us how long it took Anna to bake the cake. We can draw a T-chart like this:

Hours	Minutes
2	15
3	05
-	-
1	-10

To get rid of the negative sign in the "Minutes" column, borrow an hour from the "Hours" column and add 60 minutes to it. The T-chart becomes:

Hours	Minutes
2	15
3	05
-	-
0	50

The elapsed time is the sum of the hours and minutes in the third row, which is 0 hours and 50 minutes. We can write the answer in a complete sentence like this:

It took Anna 50 minutes to bake the cake.

Fun activities and games to practice elapsed time and time conversion skills

Now that your 6^th Grade students know how to calculate elapsed time and convert time units, they can practice their skills with fun activities and games. Here are some ideas:

• Time Bingo: Create bingo cards with different time expressions, such as 3 hours and 15 minutes, 7:45 p.m., or half past nine. Call out a time expression and have the students mark the matching one on their cards. The first one to get a bingo wins.
• Time Scavenger Hunt: Hide clues around the classroom or the school that have time-related questions or tasks, such as “What time is it right now?”, “How long does it take to walk from the library to the cafeteria?” or “Convert 150 minutes into hours and minutes.” Have the students work in teams to find and solve the clues. The team that finishes first or with the most correct answers wins.
• Time Jeopardy: Create a Jeopardy board with categories such as Elapsed Time, Time Conversion, Word Problems, and Fun Facts. Have the students work in teams to choose a category and a point value and answer the corresponding question. The team with the most points at the end wins.
• Time Capsule: Have the students create a time capsule with items representing their interests, hobbies, goals, and dreams. Have them write a letter to their future selves, describing what they are like now and what they hope to achieve. Seal the time capsule and set a date to open it, such as in a year or at the end of 6th grade.

Bonus: Where to find more resources with fun 6^th graders measuring and time-telling worksheets and activities

If you and your 6th-graders are looking for more resources with fun 6th-graders measuring and time-telling worksheets and activities, here are some web links with descriptions of online games and activities that you can try:

• Time Zone X: This game tests your students' knowledge of world time zones and geography. They will answer questions about what time it is in different places worldwide and how to convert between different time units. They can choose from three difficulty levels and earn badges as they progress. https://www.brainpop.com/games/timezonex/
• Elapsed Time Calculator: This tool helps 6th graders find the elapsed time between two given times or the start or end time given the elapsed time. They can also show the calculation steps and use a number line or a T-chart to visualize the problem. https://www.calculator.net/time-duration-calculator.html
• Time Worksheets: This website offers a variety of printable worksheets for practicing elapsed time and time conversion skills. You can customize the worksheets by choosing the number of problems, the time intervals, the units, and the difficulty level. You can also generate answer keys for checking students’ work. https://www.math-aids.com/Time/
• Telling Time Basketball Game: This game lets 6th graders practice telling time using analog and digital clocks. They will match the time on the clock with the correct option and shoot the ball into the basket. They can choose from four difficulty levels and play against the computer or a friend. https://www.futuristicmath.com/basketball-games/telling-time-to-the-hour.html
• Time Riddles: This activity challenges students to solve riddles involving elapsed time and time conversion. They will read the clues and use their logical thinking skills to find the answer. They can also check their answers and see the explanations. https://hobbylark.com/puzzles/riddles-about-time