10 – 12

Distance and time

Activity

Distance and time

What to do with this activity?

Travelling is part of everyday life for most of us. Talk to your child about the distance you travel, either on foot, on the bike, or in a car or bus. Discuss other issues around travel - the cost of petrol, or parking for instance. Here are some ideas:

  1. When you go somewhere new – talk about where you start and where you will end up. Let your child work out the route between two points and the time it might take depending on the speed you travel.
  2. Use a map or online route planner to plan your journey. Check if there are tolls and how much change you will need for the journey.
  3. Include your child in looking at bus, train or airline schedules and making travel plans. When does your transport leave, when will it arrive, how much will it cost?
  4. How far do you have to go? Talk about petrol or diesel usage on a longer journey. If you fill up a car, think how long that fuel will last.
  5. If you are on the road, look at road signs - work out how far there is to drive and calculate how long that will take at the speed you are going.  
  • Why am I doing this?

    Maths makes sense to children when they use it in everyday life - like measuring things, working out distances, estimating food for dinner or money for groceries. The more opportunities you give your child to use the maths they learn at school through everyday activities the more they will understand and enjoy working with numbers.

  • How can I do more?

    Discuss maths that you see around you. For example, talk about sales in shops – half price, 25% off, what is good value? Or how much will the item cost after the discount?

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