How to Make a Sundial Science Project
Sundials were used to tell time before man had watches and clocks. Students learn that this concept is based on the fact that the sun changes its position in the sky as the earth rotates. Through this activity the student will also learn that the sun rises in the East and sets in the West and that the position of the shadow on the sundial will change as the seasons change. A sundial discussion involving how it works opens the door to discussing the basic relationship between the sun and the Earth.
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Things You'll Need
- Large paper or Styrofoam drinking cup with a plastic lid and straw
- Compass
- Wristwatch
- Permanent marker
- Pencil
- Tape
- Enough small pebbles to fill half of the cup
Instructions
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Make a Sundial
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1
Cut a hole into the cup two inches below the rim on the side of the cup.
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2
Fill the cup half way with pebbles to give it some weight so it will withstand some wind and will not tip over.
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3
Put the lid on the cup.
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4
Put the straw through the lid and the hole on the side. Let the straw extend through the hole on the side about a one-half inch.
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5
Fold the one-half inch of the straw over and tape the straw to the side of the cup.
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6
Take your sundial outside on a sunny day and place it on level ground away from any trees. The place needs to be in sun from 10 am to 3 pm. Align the long end of the straw with North. Use a compass to determine North.
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7
Mark the position of the straw on the ground with a stone in case the sundial is moved.
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8
Start at 10 am and mark the spot where the straw casts its shadow on the lid. Do this each hour using your wristwatch till 3 pm.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Go to a fast food restaurant to get the cup. They come with lids.
