How to Build Sun Dials for Kids
Building a sundial can be a fun and educational activity to share between parent and child or teacher and student. The activity teaches science and history. Children learn how and why a stick's shadow moves around in a circle and they are often surprised to find out about an era before watches and clocks when people were able to tell the time using the sun. With a few household ingredients, you and a child can make your own backyard sundial.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a stick or rod that is roughly between 7 and 12 inches long. The stick can be any material, but should be as straight and narrow as possible.
-
2
Find a suitable location for your sundial. The area should receive sun throughout the day, and should not be disturbed by pets or play, if possible.
-
-
3
Push your stick into the ground or, if you will be constructing your sundial on a hard surface, put it into a small bucket or cup filled with dirt or sand.
-
4
Place a stone or other marking object at the tip of the stick's shadow each hour. You can mark each stone with a marker, sticker or a bit of chalk.
-
5
Encourage your child to look at the sundial to tell time and see how close he comes.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The length of shadows changes throughout the year. In the winter, shadows are longer than they are in the summer. Tell your child that some sundials can be used to tell the month and even day of the year based on the length of the shadow. When it is cloudy outside, encourage your child to think of other methods that can be used to tell the time, such as whether flowers are open or closed. You can also turn this experiment into an art project. Encourage your child to decorate the sundial.
A pointy stick can be dangerous if a child happens to fall on it. Be sure to place your sun dial in an out-of-the-way spot.
