This fun science activity helps children learn about time, and the movement of the Earth in relation to the Sun. It’s also a fantastic way to get children outside to enjoy the sunshine!
3 parents favourited this activity!
Fun fact!
Historians think that the world’s first sundials were made by the Ancient Egyptians around 3500BC!Equipment needed
- A straight stick (60cm to 80cm will work perfectly)
- Small rocks or stones
- Chalk
- Watch
- Small bucket with sand/gravel (if you don’t have access to soft ground)
About the activity
- Find an open area outside which receives lots of sunlight and push a stick into the ground. If you don’t have access to soft ground, push the stick into a bucket containing sand or gravel.
- To complete your sundial in one day, you’ll need to start early – around 7am. On the hour, place a stone in the ground where the stick casts a shadow.
- Set a timer and return each hour (8am, 9am, 10am etc) and, in the same way, place a pebble to mark where the stick’s shadow falls. You can also write the time/number of each hour on the stones with chalk.
- By the time the sun goes down your sundial will be complete! When you next want to tell the time, just head outside and take a look at your cool creation!
