homemade sundial with rocks ()
Click here to learn about sundials and where you can find some in Europe.
It is easy to make a sundial in your backyard. Choose a day when you will be home from dawn until dusk.
You will need:
A straight stick, pencil or pointy rock
12 Rocks
Paint or chalk
A clock
1. Choose a sunny location!
2. Place the stick, pencil or rock firmly in the ground. This is your gnomon. Make sure it can’t fall over!
3. Paint each of your rocks with the numbers from 1 to 12. These will mark the time.
4. When your clock reads the hour, like 7:00 a.m., put the correct numbered rock where the shadow from your stick is pointing.
5. Repeat this at the “top of the hour” until the sun sets.
You can also do this with chalk on a sidewalk. Use some clay to keep your gnomon straight!
