What are time zones? - Worksheet

Time zones are a crucial concept for understanding how time is standardized across different regions of the world. Essentially, a time zone is a region of the globe that observes a uniform standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes. Time zones are primarily the result of the need for a consistent time-keeping system that follows the rotation of the Earth in relation to the sun. Because the Earth rotates once approximately every 24 hours and there are 360 degrees of longitude, the world is divided into 24 time zones, each one covering 15 degrees of longitude. The implementation of time zones allows different areas to have noon occur roughly when the sun is highest in the sky.

Maps play an integral role in navigating and understanding time zones. They visually represent the division of the Earth into these time zones and can help individuals determine the time difference between various locations. This is especially useful for travel, international business, and communication across different parts of the world. The concept of time zones and their representation on maps is an important geographical tool that helps us coordinate time and activities globally. By studying maps with time zones marked, one can appreciate the way in which the world manages time and the reasons behind the establishment of these zones.