enVision Mathematics Grade 3, Topic 14: Solve Time Capacity and Mass Problems
In this unit, your child tells time to the minute and works out elapsed time, how much time passes between two times. They also measure liquid volume in liters and mass in grams and kilograms, and solve story problems with those amounts. After a stretch of fractions, this unit turns to everyday measuring, and shapes come next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 14?
- Reading a clock to the exact minute and finding elapsed time on a number line, such as 25 minutes from 3:45 to 4:10. Learn more about telling time to the minute: Telling time to the minute · Learn more about working out how many minutes have passed
- Estimating and measuring liquid volume in liters and mass in grams and kilograms, then adding or subtracting those amounts in stories. Learn more: Weighing things and measuring liquids
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
The school play starts 20 minutes after the time shown on the clock. What time does the school play begin?
- 6:25 p.m.
- 7:05 p.m.
- 7:00 p.m.
How you can help
- Time a bath, a walk, or a show and ask your child when it will end if it starts now and lasts a set number of minutes.
- Weigh fruit on the grocery store scale and ask your child to guess first whether a bag of apples is closer to 1 kilogram or 5 kilograms.
- Fill a 1-liter bottle with water at the sink and ask how many bottles it takes to fill a bucket or pot.
Where kids can get stuck
- Reading the minute hand as the number it points to, saying 3:04 instead of 3:20.
- Picking the wrong unit for an estimate, such as saying an apple weighs about 200 kilograms.
- Assuming a bigger object is always heavier, so a large pillow must outweigh a small rock.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- elapsed time
- The amount of time between a start time and an end time.
- minute hand
- The long hand on a clock that shows the minutes.
- hour hand
- The short hand on a clock that shows the hour.
- a.m. and p.m.
- A.m. means times from midnight to noon; p.m. means times from noon to midnight.
- liquid volume
- How much liquid a container holds.
- liter
- A unit for measuring how much liquid fits in a container.
- mass
- How heavy an object is.
- gram
- A unit for light things; a paper clip has a mass of about 1 gram.
- kilogram
- 1,000 grams; a full 1-liter water bottle is about 1 kilogram.
Want to help your child master time and measurement?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 14 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 14 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.