- Definition
A digital clock shows the time using numbers, like 10:30, instead of hands that point to numbers on a circle.
A clock on a microwave that shows 10:30 is a digital clock.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A digital clock is like a scoreboard in a game, where the numbers change to show you the time right now.
Ask your child: What will the numbers on the clock say in one more minute?
Common mix-up: Kids might think the minutes on a digital clock count up to 100. The minutes only go up to 59 before the hour changes and they start over at 00.
Examples
- The time shown on a phone's lock screen.
- The clock on a car's dashboard.
digital clock is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
