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The history of keeping time - Karen Mensing

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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.

There have been various forms of time telling devices including sundials, hourglasses and mechanical clocks. How else could we accurately measure time? How do you think people will be telling time in 10 years? How do you think people will be telling time in 100 years?

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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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