Sky Science - Make a Sundial

Downloadable (1 PDF - 7 pages)

The Make a Sundial activity can also be found within the Sky Science - Let's Do Science Bundle. If you are interested in purchasing this activity and more, you can check out the Sky Science bundle here.

During the Make a Sundial activity, which is ideal for grades 5-7, students will create a working sundial knowing only their latitude. When the sundial is complete, students will verify it works. 

By the end of the activity students should be able to:

  • Understand the movement of objects in the sky (such as stars and planets) is predictable

Additional resources included with the activity plan:

  • Background reading
  • How to make a sundial instructions

Additional resource required:

  • 1 piece of cardboard per group
  • 1 piece of stronger cardboard per group
  • 1 gnomom per group (eg. Skewer, chop
    stick, pencil)
  • Protractor
  • Compass (drawing)
  • Compass (directional)
  • Play dough or sticky tape

Subscribe