DIY Sundial

Mark the shadow of a stick every hour to tell time like an ancient sundial. Best on a sunny day outdoors.

STEMEducational
AgeAges 6–12
Duration1h
DifficultyMedium
CostFree
LocationOutdoor

Educational Value

Teaches Earth's rotation and history of timekeeping.

Materials Needed

Prep progress

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Push a stick straight into the ground or clay.

  2. 2

    Every hour, mark where the shadow falls.

  3. 3

    Label the marks with the time.

  4. 4

    Use it to estimate time later in the day.

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