Print out a copy of a United States time zone map. Choose a map that clearly illustrates the time zones, as well as the different states. Photocopy the map and distribute them to children.
Discuss the concept of time zones with children. Explain that time zones exist because the sun rises and sets at different times in different parts of the world.
Illuminate a flashlight and hold it over a globe. Rotate the globe and explain that the flashlight represents the sun. As you rotate the globe, children will see how the sun illuminates different parts of the earth at different times.
Inform children that you will be discussing different time zones in the United States. Have them look at the map and explain the regions of the different time zones; Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific.
Explain that there is a one hour time difference between the time zones. For example, when it is noon in the Eastern time zone, it is 11-o'clock am in the Central time zone, 10-o'clock in the Mountain time zone and 9-o'clock in the Pacific time zone.
Ask children to determine the times in different time zones. State different times in different time zones and ask them what time it would be in another time zone. For instance, you could ask, "If it's 3-o'clock in Pacific time zone, what time is it in the Eastern time zone?" or "If it's midnight in New York, what time is it in Alaska?"