Time Zone Dash at the U.S. Naval Observatory

Time Zones Adventure Pack

Inside the timekeeping labs in Washington, D.C., the world clock system is flashing warnings.

Longitude lines are out of sync. Noon markers are drifting across map lines. UTC signals are mismatched across global regions. Ari Raider has detected a disruption in the time zone network, and if Earth’s rotation model is not restored, explorers could lose track of how time connects the world.

In Time Zone Dash at the U.S. Naval Observatory, students board the Chrono Cruiser and enter a high-stakes geography mission. By exploring how Earth’s rotation creates day and night, how longitude helps divide the globe into time zones, and how standard time and daylight saving adjustments work, explorers must rebuild the clock grid and restore global coordination.

This adventure blends Earth science, mapping skills, and real-world timekeeping with story-driven exploration.

About This Adventure Pack

Time Zone Dash at the U.S. Naval Observatory is designed for elementary explorers and connects directly to an interactive online adventure.

Students can complete the Time Zone Dash at the U.S. Naval Observatory adventure online for free, including access to free printable trading cards that match this experience. The online adventure delivers the full learning and story-driven mission without requiring a physical kit.

👉 Explore the free Time Zone Dash at the U.S. Naval Observatory adventure here:
Coming Soon

For families or classrooms that want to extend the experience, this Adventure Pack adds collectible cards and hands-on components that bring the timekeeping mission into the physical world.

The learning experience is the same whether students use the physical pack or not. The pack simply adds a tactile, collectible layer to the adventure.

What This Adventure Covers

Each Time Zone Dash at the U.S. Naval Observatory Adventure Pack explores core time zone concepts, including:

• Time Zone – A region of Earth that uses the same standard time
• Rotation – The spinning of Earth on its axis
• Longitude – Lines that measure distance east or west on a map
• UTC – Coordinated Universal Time, the world standard for timekeeping
• Noon – The time when the Sun is highest in the sky
• Map Lines – Lines such as latitude and longitude used to divide Earth
• Daylight – The time during the day when the Sun is visible
• Standard Time – The regular time used in a region
• Daylight Saving – The practice of moving clocks forward during warmer months

Each topic appears naturally within the adventure and is required to move the story forward, reinforcing understanding through modeling and global reasoning rather than memorization.

What’s Inside the Pack

• Adventure-Filled Field Pack (6×9 Adventure Pouch)
• Adventure Mission Card
• Interactive Online Adventure
• Knowledge Card Pack
• Mystery Dig Kit
• Dig Stick Tool
• Cleaning Wipe
• Mystery Collectible Specimen (Gemlet)
• Gemlet Storage Container
• Excavating Adventures Sticker

Why Kids Love It

Racing the global clock, solving longitude puzzles, syncing world time zones, and uncovering a real mystery specimen makes geography feel fast-paced and connected.

Why Teachers and Parents Love It

Time Zone Dash at the U.S. Naval Observatory supports elementary geography and Earth science standards through clear explanations of Earth’s rotation, longitude, and timekeeping systems. The adventure encourages critical thinking and real-world understanding of how time is organized across the globe.

The adventure works for whole-class instruction, small groups, or independent learning — with or without the physical pack.

Free Adventure Option

Time Zone Dash at the U.S. Naval Observatory is also available online for free, including free printable trading cards that align directly with this adventure. No purchase is required to participate.

This reflects our mission at Excavating Adventures: to make engaging, story-driven adventures accessible to everyone.

👉 Explore the free Time Zone Dash at the U.S. Naval Observatory adventure here:
Coming Soon