Make Your Own Sundial
A sundial is a great way for kids to gain a new understanding of how time passes--sometimes very quickly, sometimes so slowly. Used before digital or even analog clocks, sundials track the movement of the sun to tell time.
What to Do
- Put a large piece of sturdy poster board outdoors. Poster board is often available in 24-inch sheets. Make sure that you position the board on a flat surface in a sunny spot.
- Make a cardboard triangle. Each side should be at least a foot long. To secure the taped-down side so the triangle stays upright, fold over a one- inch piece of the base of the triangle before taping.
- The triangle dial will cast a shadow on the poster board. Mark where the shadow is cast at certain times of day by referring to a watch. Once the marks are indicated on the sundial, you can use the sundial to note the time.
- Have fun with the markings. You don't need to mark every hour. Instead, you can note dinnertime or noon. Your child can even draw pictures in addition to, or in place of, the numerals.
While the sundials of old were made to last, this temporary one will not withstand the ravages of wind or rain. It will lose any purported accuracy by being moved to a new location--so keep it in one place for as long as it holds up.
Please use a watch, not this sundial, to make sure you get to work or the camp bus-stop on time!