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Astronomy Science Fair Project

Make Your Own Sundial

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Make Your Own Sundial | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Have you ever wanted to know what time it is without looking at a clock? With this project, you can learn how to tell time using the sun! You'll make your own sundial and use it to tell time.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that the position of the sun can be used to tell time.

Method & Materials

You will make a sundial using a styrofoam cup, a straw, a compass, and other materials. You will then use the sundial to tell time.
You will need a styrofoam cup, a straw, a compass, a permanent marker, a pencil, tape, and some small pebbles.

Results

After making the sundial, you can use it to tell time. You'll need to find a spot in the sun and use the compass to point the sundial north. Then, you'll mark the shadow of the straw on the cup lid every hour until 3 pm. The next day, you can compare the shadow to the marks to tell time.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it teaches you how to tell time using the sun, just like people did hundreds of years ago.

Also Consider

Experiment variations to consider include using different materials to make the sundial, or using the sundial to tell time at different times of the day.

Full project details

You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!

Related video

Hey there! Here are some awesome videos about this science project that we think you'll really like. They're not only super fun, but they'll also help you learn more about the science behind the project. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have some fun!!
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