Here is a fantastic activity to do on a sunny day, an opportunity to show your child / children how the earth rotates and the sun moves in relation to the earth. This activity will require some interaction throughout the day so make sure you don’t set it up and then go out all day!
What will I need to make a Sundial?
- A dowel or stick.
- A piece of card.
- Some blue tac or play dough (if you don’t mind it going hard).
- A pen.
How do I make a Sundial and do this activity?
- Pick a sunny day with little cloud to do this activity.
- To make the sundial attach your dowel or stick to the centre of your piece of card using the blue tac or play dough.
- Then place your sundial somewhere outside where it is in full sunlight.
- Once the sundial is in position don’t move it.
- You will notice that there is a shadow cast on the sundial – draw a line over the shadow and write the time down next to it.
- Then return to the sundial an hour later and record the time. Repeat this throughout the day, ideally at set time intervals and observe the sun moving thus helping us to tell the time.
Extension Activity
Why not make a sun out of a paper plate and yellow tissue paper?
Why not lie down on the grass on a cloudy day and watch the clouds move. You could also do a drawing or painting of the clouds.
Disclaimer
Please make sure that the activity is supervised at all times. Only use materials that are age appropriate for those participating in the craft or activity. Also, make sure you avoid anything that may cause an issue with regards to allergies.
