Why do we have time zones and how do they work? - Teacher notes

Time zones are a crucial concept for pupils to grasp in order to understand how time is regulated across the globe. Initially, they must comprehend what time zones actually are. Time zones are geographical regions on Earth, each of which observes a standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes. The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, corresponding to each hour of the day, as the planet takes approximately 24 hours to rotate on its axis. Understanding the nature of time zones enables individuals to appreciate the necessity for such a system.

The need for time zones arises from our planet's rotation and the varying positions of places in relation to the Sun. Without time zones, noon would be the middle of the day in some places but the middle of the night in others. Time zones standardise the time within a particular region, allowing for a more organised and functional system of timekeeping. As part of the learning process, pupils will explore internet resources to delve deeper into what time zones are and why they are needed. By the end of the unit, they will be able to articulate their understanding of time zones and apply this knowledge to calculate the time in different locations around the world, thereby seeing the practical importance of time zones in everyday life.