Simply build a sundial - how it works
Building a sundial is an interesting experiment to teach children about the course of the sun. You can also bring your own creative ideas to handicrafts.
Tinker simple sundial: necessary building material
If you want to make your own sundial, you need the following utensils:
- Two solid cardboard boxes measuring 20 x 20 cm
- A dark pen
- duct tape
- ruler
- compasses
- Scissors or carpet knife
- A stick, for example shish kebab
- compass
- Alternatively, you can make the entire sundial out of wood or another material if you have the necessary manual skills. The instructions are not dependent on the material.
Tinker a sundial: success bit by bit
If you want to make a sundial, the template is particularly important. As you can see from the picture, you first have to draw a circle on the sheet with the compass. This should have a diameter of about 20 centimeters. Then divide the circle into four equal parts. One half is now divided into twelve sections. To do this, use an angle of 15 °, for which the triangle is used. Label them according to the template.
- Now cut a small hole directly in the middle of the sundial. This is used to fasten the rod, which simultaneously represents the pointer and support.
- The most important point is imminent: the alignment of the sundial. Sundials are aligned according to latitude, so you need to look for the latitude of your region on a map, through city directories, Wikipedia, or other sites.
- Once you know this, stick the rod through the center and measure the latitude angle on the back of the sundial.
- If you live in Berlin, measure with the triangle 52 ° and set the inclination of the sundial. Fix this with adhesive tape at the appropriate height with the rod.
- Now stick the second piece of cardboard to the lower end of the sundial with adhesive tape and fold it back. Now the stick is glued to the cardboard box. You should now have an angled sundial in front of you.
- Pick a sunny spot and set up the sundial there. Now align the line with the "S" for south with a compass to the south.
If you want to unravel the mysteries of the times, we have prepared numerous tips for you. In the next article you will learn why clock hands turn clockwise.