Year 3 - Maths
How many seconds in a minute
Tell the time to the nearest minute and compare units of time
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will tell and write the time from an analogue clock, including using Roman numerals from I to XII, and 12-hour and 24-hour clocks.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to say how many seconds there are in a minute.
Key Notes
- There are 60 seconds in a minute.
- Seconds are a short measure of time.
- Seconds can be used to time short activities and durations.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Estimate: To estimate is to find a value that is close enough to the right answer, usually with some thought or calculation involved.
- Seconds: There are 60 seconds in one minute.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- When first learning about seconds, pupils come to realise they are very quick. They count seconds at the same speed in which they count other numbers - usually too quickly.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
There are 60 seconds in a minute. Seconds are a short measure of time.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Estimate'
To estimate is to find a value that is close enough to the right answer, usually with some thought or calculation involved. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: When first learning about seconds, pupils come to realise they are very quick. They count seconds at the same speed in which they count other numbers - usually too quickly. Correction: The classic way to slow down counting speed so that it more closely matches the pace of seconds is to use 'one Mississippi, two Mississippi' etc. For most pupils that is an obscure reference point - counting elephants is suggested as an alternative.
More Lessons In This Unit
- am and pm Study Guide
- Estimate and compare the duration of events and tasks Study Guide
- Know the number of days in each month, year and leap year Study Guide
- Tell and write the time including using Roman numerals Study Guide
- Tell and write the time to the nearest minute past Study Guide
- Tell and write the time to the nearest minute past and to Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 3 Maths guide library.