Mai Lesson
Spin to Discover Time
Social Studies · 30 min · Any age · You and your child together
This Spark helps children understand why our world is divided into different time zones. Through hands-on exploration with a spinning globe model, they'll connect Earth's rotation and the 24-hour day to the concept of distinct time zones around the planet. The challenge is to model how different parts of Earth experience day and night at different times.
What your child gets out of it
- Observe how Earth's rotation creates day and night at different global locations.
- Connect the 24-hour day to the concept of dividing the Earth into 24 segments.
- Explain why different places around the world have different times.
What you need
- Orange or small ball — A perfectly round object about the size of an orange or grapefruit works best. (or Grapefruit, Tennis ball, Globe)
- Dry erase marker — Choose a marker that can be easily erased or wiped off the chosen round object. (or Washable marker, Crayon)
- Flashlight — A single, strong light source to represent the sun. (or Desk lamp, Phone flashlight)
- Bowl of cereal — Any common breakfast item to start the discussion. (or Plate of toast, Cup of milk)
- Round object
How it runs
- Breakfast Time, Everywhere! · 5 min
- Spinning Earth, Changing Light · 8 min
- Slicing Up the Day · 6 min
- Making Our Time Zone Model · 9 min
- Why 24? · 2 min
Why it matters
Pilots and international travelers constantly calculate time zone differences to schedule flights and meetings across the globe.
Mai is a tutor your child talks to out loud. Open this lesson in the app and she'll run it with them.
Open in Mai SchoolAlready have the app? Tap the link again from your phone and it opens right there.