What Is the Time?
1 out of 3
Can you put these times on the clocks in order? You might like to arrange them in a circle.
Problem
What Is the Time? sheet of clock cards
Can you put the times on these clocks in order?
You might also like to look at the same times, but in words.
Getting Started
Which hand will tell us approximately what time it is?
Student Solutions
Ruth from Leaden Hall School wrote to us to say:
I started on $20$ past $12$, because that is the earliest one (if you think of it as $20$ past $12$ in the morning).
After, I just followed along, continuing, going down into late morning.
Taya, Jessica and Anna from St Joseph also went from the same starting point. Here are the times in the order they gave:
12.20
1.25
1.55
3.10
4.05
5.15
5.50
7.00
7.40
9.30
10.45
11.35
Tia listed the times in the same order but started at 1.25 rather than 12.20.
Someone who didn't give their name pointed out that we don't know whether the times on the clocks are morning (a.m.) or afternoon/evening (p.m.). Could this make a difference to the ordering, I wonder?
Teachers' Resources
Using NRICH Tasks Richly describes ways in which teachers and learners can work with NRICH tasks in the classroom.
Why do this problem?
This problem assesses and extends children's understanding of "telling the time", which is really reading the clock. Many children have difficulties with this, which is not surprising when you realise that analogue clocks are two dials superimposed on one another.
This problem only uses times which are exactly on the numbers relating to five minute intervals, and is best attempted once children are familiar with which hand is which, and what each one indicates.
Possible approach
The clock pictures can be downloaded here (word, pdf) and the time in words here (word, pdf). These can be printed (and possibly laminated), then cut into separate cards. You could provide a set of cards for each pair, or they could be enlarged and used by a group of up to four children. This sheet (word, pdf) of empty clock faces could be useful.
This task is probably best introduced with a minimum of teacher talk. Simply give each pair or group the cards and invite them to order the clock faces. The time in words can also be arranged to accompany the clock pictures. Give them plenty of time to tackle the challenge and try to step back. You may wish to stop them after some time to discuss what they have done so far so that ideas are shared among the whole class.
In the plenary, encourage children to explain how they went about the task, rather than only focusing on their final answer. Listen out for children who realise that the hour hand is the hand to look at first. If there are disagreements about the order, invite pairs or groups to try and justify their thinking. None of the clocks or the written times mentions am/pm so it will be interesting to see how the children cope with this and whether it comes up in their conversations.
Key questions
What does that hand tell you?
Which of these two clocks shows the earliest time? How do you know?
Possible extension
Learners could do the harder related problem The Time Is ... or make up their own problem cards using this sheet.
Possible support
It may be helpful to have a demonstration clock or clocks with gears available.