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The history of keeping time - Karen Mensing

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9,121 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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Where did time-telling come from? What are time zones and why are there so many of them? Get the answers to these questions and more in this journey through the history of time -- from sundials to hourglasses to modern clocks.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

Daylight Savings Time is practiced in many parts of the world. What is Daylight Savings Time and how did it come to be? Certain parts of the world and even certain cities and states in the United States do not observe Daylight Savings Time. Do you think Daylight Savings Time is necessary? Would it be better if everyone participated? Where you live, would you prefer to opt in or out of Daylight Savings Time? Why?

Benjamin Franklin and George Vernon Hudson both had strong feelings on telling time, time zones and changing time. Compare their different viewpoints. How were they alike? What was different? Imagine going to lunch with these two. What would they say to one another? What questions would you want to ask them?

Try to go one day without ever checking the time. Is it possible or are you just too surrounded by clocks (cell phones, computer screens, media, etc.) to not be aware of the time? What would happen if you never had access to the time?

Daylight Savings Time here.
World Clock here and here.
The Official U.S. Time here.
The History of Time here

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Animator Avi Ofer
  • Educator Karen Mensing
  • Narrator Karen Mensing

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