Building a sundial can be done using a fast, educational method with a paper plate or a more precise, durable technique for your garden. Sundials rely on a gnomon (the stick or triangle that casts the shadow) and a dial plate (the surface displaying the hours).
Here are instructions for both a quick paper project and a long-lasting garden version. Method 1: The Quick Paper Plate Sundial (Great for Kids)
This method lets you build a basic sundial using everyday craft items. Materials Needed 1 Paper plate 1 Straight straw, pencil, or wooden chopstick Modeling clay or mounting putty A marker and a smartphone clock Step-by-Step Instructions
Poke a hole: Find the exact center of your paper plate and poke a hole through it using a sharpened pencil.
Insert the gnomon: Push your straw or chopstick through the hole. Secure it underneath the plate using a ball of modeling clay so it remains steady.
Set it up at noon: Take the plate outside into a flat, unshaded area exactly at 12:00 PM.
Align to North: Tilt your stick slightly toward True North. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, tilt it North; if you are in the Southern Hemisphere, tilt it South.
Mark the hours: Rotate the plate until the shadow points straight toward the top edge. Write “12” at that exact spot. Come back every hour (1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, etc.) and use your marker to write the correct number where the shadow lands. Method 2: The Precise Garden Sundial (Durable Wood & Metal)
For a permanent yard fixture, the angle of your gnomon must exactly match your local latitude to stay accurate year-round. Sundial Craft
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