Student goals: Complete mathematical word problems; understand the relationships among distance, speed, and time; measure travel distances

Time required: 40 minutes

Materials required:
Right Place, Right Time student reproducible (PDF), pen or pencil, string, ruler

Directions:

1. On the map show students how to measure distances using a piece of string and a ruler. Practice converting several measurements into miles using the map scale.

2. Distribute the Right Place, Right Time student reproducible.

3. Explain how timetables (e.g., television listings, class schedules, homework schedules, transportation schedules, etc.) are used to help groups coordinate their activities. Review the charts on the student worksheet including the meanings of the chart titles and symbols. Review the meanings of "A" (a.m.), "P" (p.m.), "N" (noon), "Dp" (departure), and "Ar" (arrival).

4. Read the Right Place, Right Time student reproducible aloud with the class. Have students answer the word problems individually or in pairs. (Answer Key: 1. (a) 571,
(b) Dp=10:35 a.m., Ar=12:29 p.m., (c) 1 hour and 54 minutes, (d) Dp=5:51 p.m.; 2. (a) 769, (b) yes, (c) 582, (d) 8 minutes)

Wrap-up: Ask students which word problems they found trickiest. Make up a few similar scenarios and practice with students until the problems become easier.

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