Portable Sundial

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Learners construct one or more of the following kinds of sundials: a shadow plot, a horizontal sundial, and a diptych sundial. They track the position of the sun during the course of a day, and use their sundials over the course of several days or even weeks. Learners investigate the accuracy of sundials and the discrepancy that lies between "real time" and "clock time."

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 piece of large white paper
  • pencil width wooden dowel (or similar) 30-38 cm (12"-15")
  • ball of clay
  • duct tape, eight 3" strips
  • permanent marker
  • timer
  • small wooden disk
  • 3/4"-1" nail
  • pencil
  • pen
  • pair of scissors
  • index card
  • hammer
  • protractor
  • sheet of paper
  • (optional) string
  • wood glue
  • template for diptych assembly
  • 1 piece of heavy paper
  • glue
  • string, preferably elastic

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
      • Days
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Technology
      • Information and Communication
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Includes assesments for student learning:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Center for Engineering Educational Outreach, Tufts University

Source Collection

  • TeachEngineering

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2013