Sundial
Have you ever played outside all day and noticed that the length and location of your shadow changed? Or that the sun’s position in the sky shifted? The location of the sun changes throughout the day which affects the size, shape, and direction of your shadow.
This is how a tool known as a sundial works and helps to tell time! Sundials have a pole in the center and markings around the edge similar to a clock. When the sun shines on the pole, a shadow is cast onto a marking. Sundials should lay flat and face north for the most accurate time.
You can make one of your own! Follow the instructions and share pictures with us when you’re done. How accurate was your sundial compared to the time on a clock at home?
Materials
- Paper Plate
- Alternatives: Cardboard or cardstock circle
- Sharpened Pencil
- Markers (for decorating)
- Scissors (optional)
- Tape (optional)
- Begin by writing the numbers of a clock face around the edge of the circle
- Extension: Learn about and write roman numerals
- Poke a sharpened pencil through the center of the circle.
- Optional: Use tape, playdough, or glue to secure the pencil.
- Don’t forget to decorate!
- Take your completed sundial outside or to a window – where the shadow of the pencil falls is the time according to your sundial. How does this compare to what a clock says?
- Note: Make sure the 12 is facing north for the most accurate time