Easy Sundial Instructions!

The sundial is the oldest instrument used to tell time. Since the civilization of Sumer reigned supreme, the ability to tell time using shadows has fascinated humans. Sundials have been used by civilizations ranging from ancient Egypt to modern man. The construction of these time-telling devices can be simple, fun, and not to mention, a great project to do with children. Making sundials can be a little complicated if you're doing it completely from scratch, so I've found that the best way to make them is with sundial diagrams. NASA has them on their website and once they are printed out, the process is super easy.

Supplies

Cardboard will be needed because of its stability, but supplies such as markers, construction paper, sequins, and glitter can dress up any boring cardboard project. You'll also need something sturdy to act as you're gnomon (the vertical object that casts the shadow on the sundial) you can use anything from a straw to a pencil. Straws work really well because you can run a glue stick up and down them and then roll them in glitter. You will also need scissors, the NASA sundial illustration, compass, and tape.

Directions

1) Find out your latitude. A simple Google.com search will provide you with the tools you need to find your latitude.

2) Cut the cardboard into a circle, you can make it however big you want it, just don't make it too small, remember you're going to have to draw lines on it and distinguish time.

3) Follow the NASA illustration to draw the necessary lines on your sundial, you can do this in pencil and later go over the lines in glitter or markers.

4) Use a sharpened pencil to poke a hole where the gnomon will be (the NASA illustration will show you the exact point. Since cardboard is thick, it will be hard to use the straw to break through. Once you have created a hole, you can decorate the straw with glitter, paint, or whatever fun supplies you have around the house. Once you are done decorating, you can insert the straw.

5) Now you can decorate your finished sundial and even glue the compass to the finished product so you don't have to worry about keeping track of it later. Try going over pencil marks or decorating the edges!

6) Now you're ready to go outside and try out your new sundial!