Time Zones

Worksheet Description

This worksheet looks into the historical foundation of the modern time zone system, originating from the International Meridian Conference in 1884. It explains how the conference led to the establishment of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and determined Greenwich, London, as the prime meridian. The text further elaborates on the conception of the International Date Line (IDL), situated approximately 180 degrees from the prime meridian, though its exact path across the Earth’s waters remains unspecified. Towards the end, the worksheet poses a reflective question about the universal acknowledgment of the IDL, despite its lack of formal international validation.

The worksheet’s intent is to instill in students an understanding of the historical backdrop and significance of the International Date Line. By providing insights into the International Meridian Conference, it highlights the importance of global collaboration in establishing standardized time references. The worksheet underscores that while the theoretical location of the IDL is 180° from Greenwich, its real-world application arises from mutual agreements among maritime nations. The concluding question encourages students to ponder the global acceptance of the IDL, promoting critical thinking about international consensus and its implications in world navigation and timekeeping.