A sundial is a device that reflects the sun's position.An upright stick, called a gnomon, is positioned to cast a shadow on a sundial face.The shadow moves with the sun as it moves across the sky.A basic sundial built with a stick and a few small stones can be demonstrated in your backyard.Kids can do a lot of easy projects to learn the concept.A permanent sundial can be built in your garden or backyard.It will reflect the time precisely after some measuring and carpentry.
Step 1: Take your tools with you.
A basic sundial is a great way to explain the concept.All you have to do is find a few items in your backyard.A straight stick, pebbles, a wristwatch, and a cell phone are used to tell the time.
Step 2: You can plant the stick in a sunny area.
There is a place that gets full sun exposure.The stick should be pushed into the grass or earth.If you live in the northern part of the world, slant the stick to the north.If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, make a slight movement to the south.You can do it if you don't have access to a grassy area.The stick can be planted in the center of a small bucket of sand or gravel.
Step 3: It starts at 7 a.m.
If you want to complete the sundial in a single day, begin in the morning after the full sun has risen.The stick will cast a shadow as the sun shines down.To mark the place where the shadow falls, use one of your pebbles.
Step 4: Go back to the stick every hour.
You can change the dial at the top of every hour by setting an alarm or keeping an eye on your watch.Return at 8:00 a.m. and use another pebble to mark where the stick fell.Do the same thing at different times.You can use chalk to mark each pebble with the exact time you placed it on the ground.The shadow is moving in a clockwise direction.
Step 5: Continue this process until the sun goes down.
Return every hour and mark it with a pebble.Until there is no more sunlight, do this.At the end of the day, your sundial will be complete.If the sun shines, you can use this simple device to tell when the day is over.
Step 6: You need to gather your tools.
The sundial is a great project for kids.You probably already have everything you need at home.The required items are crayons, markers, paper plate, a pencil, pushpins, ruler, and a straight plastic straw.On a sunny day, start preparing the plate at 11:30 a.m.
Step 7: The plate has the number 12 written on it.
You can use a crayon or marker.Push the pencil through the center of the paper plate.You have a hole in the center if you remove the pencil.
Step 8: To draw a straight line, use a ruler.
You made a hole in the center of the plate.This is the time at 12 o'clock noon.
Step 9: You can use a compass to find the closest pole.
The closest pole to the Earth's axis is the gnomon.It's the North Pole for people in the Northern Hemisphere.The South Pole is located in the Southern Hemisphere.
Step 10: The plate should be brought outside by noon.
The area will get full sun exposure all day if you place it on the ground.The plate has a hole in it.
Step 11: The straw should be pushed slightly so.
It should slant in the direction of the closest pole.
Step 12: At exactly noon, arrange the plate.
The straw's shadow should be aligned with the line you drew.The plate will only show 12 hours since you are only measuring the hours of daylight.
Step 13: Attach the plate to the ground.
If you put a few pushpins through the plate, it will stay in the same place on the ground.
Step 14: Return to the plate one hour later.
Go back to the plate at 1:00 p.m. to check the position of the straw's shadow.You can see the shadow falling by writing the number 1 at the edge of the plate.
Step 15: Go back outside at the top of the hour.
The shadow is marked on the edge of the plate.The shadow is moving in a clockwise direction.
Step 16: Discuss the shadow with your child.
Why do they think the shadow is moving?The shadow is moving around the dial.
Step 17: Continue this process until dusk.
You should mark the plate every hour until you run out of daylight.The sundial will be finished at this point.
Step 18: The next day, check the plate.
On a sunny day, have your child return to the plate and tell you the time based on the shadow's position.It is possible to tell the time on a sunny day.
Step 19: A 20-inch circle can be made out of 34-inch plywood.
The sundial will have a circle as its face.Put primer on both sides of the wooden circle.Think about what your sundial should look like as the primer dries.You will need to choose a number style, such as Roman numerals, standard numbers, and so on.Pick out the colors you want to use and draw orIllustrate if you like.You should sketch out a few different designs before you make a final decision.
Step 20: You can draw your final design on the circular paper.
To transfer the design onto the wooden circle, you will need to draw it to scale.You need to measure to make sure the numbers are on the design.To do this, use a straightedge and a protractor.The number 12 is like a clock's face.Use the straight edge to draw a line from the 12 to the center.
Step 21: To measure 15 degrees to the right, use the protractor.
The number 1 is marked there.To draw another hour line, use the straightedge.The numbers should be marked exactly 15 degrees apart.Use the protractor to mark off the numbers when moving in a clockwise direction.Continue until you reach the number 12.The first 12 will be directly across from this.These are the hours of noon and midnight.Continue with 1 until you reach the original 12 at the top.The numbers are clearly marked on the paper.For the most precise representation, the full 24 hours are represented.The position of Earth changes with seasons.The days are longer in summer.They are shorter in the winter.There are days in the summer when there are more than 12 hours of daylight.
Step 22: You can paint your design on the wooden circle.
If you want the numbers and hour lines to match, use your paper as a stencil.Paint markers can be used to put the numbers on the wood.Paint markers are more resistant to the elements than permanent markers.
Step 23: Obtain the gnomon.
The part of the sundial that casts shadows is called the gnomon.You need it to be at least two or three inches long.It should be half an inch.The diameter of the gnomon should be slightly larger than the pipe.Make a conical tip.The length of the pipe should be no more than three inches.You can paint the gnomon any color you want.It will not rust from this.
Step 24: The sundial post needs to be prepared for mounting.
The wooden circle will be mounted on the sundial's post.You will need a wooden post that has been treated.It needs to be straight and undamaged.The top of the post needs to be cut with a precise angle.Subtract your current latitude from 90 degrees to get this angle.If you are located in the North, you would draw a 50 degree angle on the 4x4.
Step 25: The angle should be cut into the post.
A carpenter's square is used to draw a line.Six inches from the top of the post is where you can draw this line.The bottom side of the angle is marked by the line.Measure it with a protractor, then use a table saw to cut it.Measure the center of the sundial and drill a hole.The attachment of the post to the sundial face needs to be tested with a lag screw.
Step 26: Put a hole in the post.
dig a hole for the post and find a sunny spot for your sundial.Don't disturb buried cables or lines underground.The post should be in the hole.Make sure it is no taller than five feet off the ground.To make sure the angle you cut into the post is facing north, use a compass.Make sure the post is vertical by using a carpenter's level.Put the post in place by pouring and setting it in cement.Before mounting the sundial face, allow a few days for the cement to dry.
Step 27: Attach the sundial face to the post.
Use a lag screw to attach the face.You can turn the face easily if you tighten the screw enough.The sundial's face is directly over the flange.The lag screw should be visible in the center hole.You should hold the gnomon pipe in your left hand if you use your right hand.
Step 28: 6 a.m. is when the sundial face should be turned.
The lines are horizontal.The lines look like they are going straight through the center if you align the gnomon.The line at 12 noon looks like it is going through the gnomon.
Step 29: Attach the gnomon when the time is set.
Daylight Saving Time is when you must set the time.Hold it steady with your left hand.You can turn the sundial face by using your right hand.Check the time.When the shadow of the gnomon shows the same time on the sundial, keep turning the face.Use a pencil to mark the location of the four screws.The lag screw should be tightened.As you do this, do not move the sundial face.Attach the sundial to the four screws by drilling holes for them.The gnomon needs to be screwed in.