3rd Grade Time, Liquid Volume and Mass Lesson (Free PDF)
This time measurement lesson for 3rd Grade covers time, liquid volume and mass (Common Core 3.MD.A.1, 3.MD.A.2), with a free PDF to print.
To read time to the nearest minute, count by 5s to the number the minute hand points at, then count on by 1s. Elapsed time is how long it takes from a start to an end, found by jumping on a number line. Mass is measured in grams (g) and kilograms (kg), and liquid volume in liters (L).
Grade 3 · Common Core State Standards: 3.MD.A.1, 3.MD.A.2
Key facts in this time measurement lesson
- There are 60 minutes in 1 hour; count by 5s, then by 1s.
- Elapsed time = the jumps from start to end, added together.
- 1 kilogram = 1,000 grams.
- Liquid volume is measured in liters (L).
- Add, subtract, multiply, or divide measurements that use the same unit.
How do you read a clock to the nearest minute?
A clock has a short hour hand and a long minute hand. The hour hand shows which hour it is. The minute hand shows the minutes. Count by 5s for each number, then count on by 1s for each small mark.
Example: The minute hand points 2 marks past the 7. Count by 5s to the 7: \(7 \times 5 = 35\). Then count on 2 more: \(35 + 2 = 37\). The hour hand has passed 4, so the time is 4:37.
How do you find elapsed time?
Elapsed time is the amount of time that passes from a start time to an end time. A number line helps. Jump from the start to the next full hour, then jump to the end, and add the jumps.
- Mark the start time and the end time on a number line.
- Jump from the start to the next full hour and write the minutes.
- Jump from that hour to the end time and write the minutes.
- Add the jumps. Write the unit: minutes.
Example: Maya starts a puzzle at 3:40 and stops at 4:25. The first jump is \(20\text{ min}\) (3:40 to 4:00). The second jump is \(25\text{ min}\) (4:00 to 4:25). Add: \(20 + 25 = 45\text{ min}\).
To find an end time, start at the beginning and jump forward by the minutes. To find a start time, jump backward.
What are grams and kilograms?
Mass tells how much matter is in an object. A scale measures it.
| Object | Mass (about) |
|---|---|
| A paper clip | 1 g |
| A slice of bread | 30 g |
| A bag of rice | 1 kg |
| A watermelon | 4 kg |
What is a liter?
Liquid volume tells how much liquid fits in a container. The unit is the liter (L). A large bottle of water holds about 1 L. A bucket holds about 10 L.
To solve a word problem, use the same unit all the way through. Add to put amounts together. Subtract to find how much is left or how many more. Multiply for equal groups and divide to share equally.
Example: A pitcher holds 3 L. Jamal fills 4 pitchers. \(4 \times 3 = 12\), so he uses 12 L.
Time measurement lesson: questions and answers
How do you tell time to the nearest minute?
Look at the hour hand to find the hour. Then count by 5s for each number the minute hand passes and count on by 1s for the small marks. A minute hand 3 marks past the 9 shows 48 minutes.
What is elapsed time?
Elapsed time is how much time passes between a start time and an end time. Jump to the next hour on a number line, jump to the end, and add the minutes.
How many grams are in a kilogram?
There are 1,000 grams in 1 kilogram. Use grams for small objects like a strawberry and kilograms for heavy objects like a bag of potatoes.
What does a liter measure?
A liter measures liquid volume, which is how much liquid a container can hold. A big water bottle holds about 1 liter.
How do you solve a measurement word problem?
Find the operation first: add to join, subtract to compare or find what is left, multiply for equal groups, divide to share. Keep the unit in your answer.
How to use this time measurement lesson
Read the definitions first, then follow the worked method line by line and redo the example on paper without looking. When every step makes sense, move on to the worksheet, then check yourself with the quiz.
Download the time measurement lesson as a PDF with the button below and keep it with your notes.
Download the time measurement lesson as a PDF with the button below and keep it with your notes.
All Grade 3 chapters: Grade 3 math.
