The idea, step by step
Duration means how long
Every event has a start and an end. Its duration is how long it lasts.
One blink lasts a very short time. Eating lunch usually lasts longer than a blink.
Start together
If two events start together, the one ending later lasts longer.
You can also use steady slow claps to compare. Keep the clap pace the same for each event.
A common trap
An activity starting later must last longer.
Instead: Compare the whole time from start to end. Starting later does not tell you the duration.
See the thinking
Two songs
Which song lasts longer in the picture?
- Both songs start together.
- B ends first, but A keeps going.
A rolling toy
One roll lasts 4 steady claps. Another lasts 7 claps at the same pace. Which lasts longer?
- The claps measure equal stretches of time.
- Seven claps take longer than four.
Check your understanding
Ari and Lee start walking together. Ari stops while Lee keeps walking. Who walks for longer?
Show answer
Lee.
Their starts match, and Lee finishes later.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Which pictured song ends sooner?
- Which usually lasts longer: a blink or a school day?
- Two sand timers start together. Red finishes before blue. Which runs for less time?
- One event lasts 3 steady claps. Another lasts 5 at the same pace. Which lasts longer?
- Kim claps quickly for one activity and slowly for another. Is comparing just the counts fair?
- Name two events. Explain which usually takes longer.
Read the worked solutions
- Which pictured song ends sooner?
Its bar ends first.
Song B. - Which usually lasts longer: a blink or a school day?
A blink is a very short event.
A school day. - Two sand timers start together. Red finishes before blue. Which runs for less time?
It has the earlier finish.
Red. - One event lasts 3 steady claps. Another lasts 5 at the same pace. Which lasts longer?
Five equal-paced claps take longer than three.
The 5-clap event. - Kim claps quickly for one activity and slowly for another. Is comparing just the counts fair?
The claps do not measure equal stretches of time.
No. - Name two events. Explain which usually takes longer.
Compare the time taken, not an object's size.
Answers vary, such as sleeping at night usually takes longer than putting on shoes.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum 2026
Year 1 sequencing familiar events and describing duration; months in order. No clock-reading assessment.
Official curriculum source ↗