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Sundial Making

Sundial Making

Min number of participants 1
Age 5+ yrs.
Safety support by adult Not required
Min duration 1 h
Cost None (Free)
Environment Outdoor

Push a stick into clay or earth at an angle, mark where the shadow falls each hour, and create a working sundial — a beautifully simple science project that teaches the Earth's rotation through direct observation.

The Essentials

Steps

  • Cut a flat base from cardboard, wood, or a paper plate to serve as the sundial's face.
  • Insert a straight stick or pencil (the gnomon) vertically through the center, angled to point toward true north in the northern hemisphere or true south in the southern hemisphere.
  • Set the sundial outside in direct sunlight on flat, level ground.
  • Every hour, mark the spot where the gnomon's shadow falls and label it with the current clock time.
  • Repeat throughout a full sunny day to build up a complete set of hour marks.

Tips

  • Build and calibrate the sundial on the same day you plan to use it, since the sun's path shifts slightly with the seasons.
  • Use a compass or a phone app to find true north/south accurately before angling the gnomon.
  • Choose a spot that stays sunny all day, away from shadows cast by trees or buildings.
  • Decorate the face with numbers or symbols after the hour marks are set, so it stays readable for future use.
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