Measuring time

Measuring time

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
This task is about different ways to measure time.

Question 1Change answer

illustration: sundial
a)  How does this measure time?

Question 1Change answer

illustration: hour glass
b)  How does this measure time?

Question 1Change answer

illustration: burning candles
c)  How does this measure time?

Question 1Change answer

illustration: clock
d)  Here is a picture of a modern way which is used to measure time.
     What are the advantages of this way of measuring time?
What are the disadvantages of this way of measuring time?
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Copyright: 
Images: Public domain
Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
time, measurement
Description of task: 
Students are given pictures of four different ways time can be measured (sundial, hourglass, candle with lines, clock). Students then explain how each can be used to measure time.
Answers/responses: 
 

Y7 (03/2002)
a) i) 
ii) 
iii)		 The Sun makes a shadow on the dial, and then you can read the time.
A certain amount of sand will fall through in a given time.
A certain amount of candle will burn in a given time, as seen by lines on the candle.		 difficult
difficult 
difficult
b)
Advantages:
Any answer that indicates
  • greater accuracy
  • greater length of time the time piece will keep time for
  • better standardisation
  • less variation, across devices
  • other advantages.
 
Disadvantages:
Any answer that indicates:
  • devices cannot be easily made by people
  • requires energy source to run
  • needs to be manufactured and or bought
  • other disadvantages
 difficult