Sundial Projects
Elementary School
Paper plate Project
​The paper plate sundial project involves carefully marking the hours on a paper plate and using a compass to accurately orient the sundial by locating true north. After setting up the sundial, students observe and record the movement of the shadow over several hours. This hands-on activity encourages discussion about how the sun’s changing position in the sky affects the shadow and relates to the way a sundial measures time.
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Shadow Cast Project
​​Shadow Cast Project involves having a student stand in a designated sunny spot, where their shadow is traced with sidewalk chalk and the time is marked. This process is repeated every 30 minutes, allowing observers to note how the shadow’s length and position change throughout the day. The activity encourages discussion about how the sun’s movement in the sky directly impacts the appearance of the shadow.
Middle School
Understanding and Building a Sundial
By engaging with sundials, students learn the fundamentals of time measurement using the sun’s movement and the science behind shadows. They explore the historical importance of sundials in various cultures, design and construct their own sundial models, and observe how sunlight influences shadow direction and length. Through these activities, they reflect on the strengths and drawbacks of sundials compared to modern clocks, deepening their appreciation for both ancient and contemporary approaches to tracking time.
High School
Exploring Time Through Shadows
This project encourages the development of observational skills, the ability to compare solar time with standard clock time, and a deeper appreciation for the historical evolution of timekeeping. By engaging with sundials, students not only explore the scientific principles of geometry and astronomy but also gain hands-on experience in measurement and construction. Through this multifaceted learning process, students connect scientific inquiry with humanity's enduring quest to measure and understand time.
The Science and History of Sundials
This project encourages the development of observational skills, the ability to compare solar time with standard clock time, and a deeper appreciation for the historical evolution of timekeeping. By engaging with sundials, students not only explore the scientific principles of geometry and astronomy but also gain hands-on experience in measurement and construction. Through this multifaceted learning process, students connect scientific inquiry with humanity's enduring quest to measure and understand time.
College Level
The sundial, as one of humanity's earliest tools for telling time, offers a rich context for integrating concepts from astronomy, physics, mathematics, and history. This project-based lesson plan guides college students through the process of designing, constructing, calibrating, and analyzing a functional sundial. The experience is designed to foster deep understanding of celestial mechanics, critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and scientific communication.