Teaching Resource
Time Math Investigation – The Sands of Time
A mathematics investigation about measuring time, embedded in a real-world context.
This open-ended mathematics investigation has been designed to deepen students’ understanding of time.
In this investigation, the students create a sand timer out of a small plastic container and some sand. Their timer must run as close to one minute as possible.
The students have three chances to make the sand run through their timer in exactly one minute. After each attempt, they may make adjustments to their timer e.g. making the hole at the bottom of the container bigger or smaller, adding more sand, using less sand.
A table is provided for the students to record the amount of time it takes for the sand to run through their timer during each attempt, and to record any adjustments they make before trying again!
This teaching resource includes:
- teacher notes, detailing a range of important information about the investigation
- a detailed description of the investigation for students, including step-by-step instructions
- a recording worksheet
- reflection questions.
How do I print this teaching resource?
"I love teach starter and am so thankful to have found such a great resource collection. The fee is only a few hours pay and I saved myself that much work within the first 15 minutes!" ~ Nanci, a happy Teach Starter member.
Want to see why hundreds of thousands of teachers love Teach Starter? Download a FREE 200+ page pack of premium Teach Starter teaching resources.
Comments & Reviews
Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you would like to request a change (Changes & Updates) to this resource, or report an error, simply select the corresponding tab above.
Request a change
Would you like something changed or customized on this resource? While our team makes every effort to complete change requests, we can't guarantee that every change will be completed.
You must be logged in to request a change. Sign up now!
Report an Error
You must be logged in to report an error. Sign up now!
Help
Are you having trouble downloading or viewing this resource? Please try the following steps:
- Check that you are logged in to your account
- Check that you have a paid subscription
- Check that you have installed Adobe Reader (download here)
If you are still having difficulty, please visit the Teach Starter Help Desk or contact us.
Contact us
Log in or sign up to join the conversation.