What is Elapsed Time? A Simple Explanation for Grade 3

📚 What is Elapsed Time?

Elapsed time is simply the amount of time that passes from the start of an activity to its end. Think of it like how long it takes to watch your favorite cartoon! ⏰

⏱️ Finding Elapsed Time: A Step-by-Step Guide

• 📅 Identify the Start Time: This is when the event begins. For example, your cartoon starts at 9:00 AM.
• 🏁 Identify the End Time: This is when the event finishes. Your cartoon ends at 9:30 AM.
• ➖ Calculate the Difference: Subtract the start time from the end time. In this case, 9:30 AM - 9:00 AM = 30 minutes.

So, the elapsed time for watching your cartoon is 30 minutes! 🎉

⏰ Examples of Elapsed Time

• ✏️Doing Homework: You start your homework at 4:00 PM and finish at 5:00 PM. The elapsed time is 1 hour.
• 🚌 Riding the Bus: You get on the bus at 7:30 AM and arrive at school at 8:00 AM. The elapsed time is 30 minutes.
• 🍪 Baking Cookies: You put the cookies in the oven at 2:15 PM and take them out at 2:45 PM. The elapsed time is 30 minutes.

💡 Tips for Calculating Elapsed Time

• 🔢 Use a Number Line: Draw a number line to visualize the time passing. Start at the start time and jump forward to the end time.
• ⌚ Use a Clock: Use a real clock or a picture of a clock to count the minutes and hours.
• 📝 Break it Down: If the time is complicated, break it into smaller parts. For example, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM is 45 minutes.

❓ Practice Quiz

Let's test your knowledge!

1. If a movie starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 8:00 PM, what is the elapsed time?
2. You begin playing a game at 1:30 PM and stop at 2:00 PM. How long did you play?
3. Sarah starts reading a book at 10:15 AM and finishes at 10:45 AM. What is the elapsed time?
4. A cake is put in the oven at 3:20 PM and taken out at 3:50 PM. Find the elapsed time.
5. If you start your walk at 7:05 AM and return at 7:20 AM, what is the elapsed time?
6. John begins his chores at 9:10 AM and completes them at 9:40 AM. What is the elapsed time?
7. The school bell rings at 12:30 PM for lunch and ends at 1:00 PM. What is the elapsed time for lunch?

✅ Answer Key

1. 2 hours
2. 30 minutes
3. 30 minutes
4. 30 minutes
5. 15 minutes
6. 30 minutes
7. 30 minutes