Oh no! Squeaks and I were playing catch, and Squeaks’s watch broke. But don’t worry, Squeaks! We can still tell the time by making a sundial. A sundial is a tool that uses the sun to show what time it is. It’s one of the oldest scientific instruments ever used!
A sundial usually has a flat base and a stick called a gnomon. When the sun shines, the gnomon casts a shadow. By looking at where the shadow falls, we can tell the time. People have been using sundials for a long time to help them know what time it is. Having a sundial is not only useful but also shows that you care about science!
You can make your own sundial if it’s sunny outside. Here’s how:
The earth rotates from west to east, which makes the sun appear to move across the sky. In the morning, the gnomon’s shadow points west. As the day goes on, the shadow moves clockwise, just like the hands on a clock.
If you don’t have dirt to stick your gnomon into, try using a bucket filled with sand or pebbles. You can also use a paper plate. Just make sure the plate faces the same direction each time you use it.
For a fun twist, you can become the gnomon yourself! Stand in the same spot every hour and have a friend mark your shadow. The next day, you can see what time it is by looking at your shadow.
Remember, never look directly at the sun while making or using a sundial. Check your markings every few months to keep your sundial accurate. While it won’t be as precise as a scientist’s sundial, it’s still a fun way to tell time!
Even though we’ll get Squeaks a new watch, we’re excited to use the sun to find out what time it is. Our sundial says it’s time to go, but we’ll see you next time at the Fort!
Shadow Tracking Adventure: On a sunny day, go outside with a friend or family member. Take turns being the gnomon by standing in one spot. Have the other person mark where your shadow falls every hour using chalk or small stones. At the end of the day, look at the pattern your shadow made. Discuss how the shadow changed and why it moved in a particular direction. What did you notice about the length of the shadow at different times?
Sun and Shadow Journal: Create a journal to record your observations about the sun and shadows over a week. Each day, draw a picture of where the sun is in the sky at different times and how the shadows look. Write a sentence or two about what you see. At the end of the week, review your journal and talk about any patterns you noticed. How does the sun’s position affect the shadows?
Time Traveler’s Challenge: Imagine you are living in a time before clocks were invented. How would you use a sundial to plan your day? Draw a picture of your daily schedule using the sundial. Think about activities you would do in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Share your schedule with a friend or family member and explain how the sundial helps you know when to do each activity.
