Paper Plate Sundial

[20 Minutes]

It is not really known which civilization invented the sundial, but historians believe the sundial was used as early as 3500 B.C. This instrument was used to tell time long before clocks and watches. The sundial shows the time of the day by the shadow that is cast by a fixed arm called the gnomon. Make a paper plate sundial and observe the different times of the day.


You'll need:

• paper plate • pencil • markers, pencils, or crayons

What to do:

  1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
  2. With your child, gather everything you’ll need.
  3. Together, make a simple sundial by punching a hole in the center of a paper plate.
  4. Stick a pencil through the hole.
  5. Set the plate in the sun, using the pencil point to pin the sundial to the ground.
  6. At different times of the day, look where the shadow of the pencil falls on the plate. Encourage your child to mark where it falls at the beginning and end of the day, at lunchtime, and at any other significant times of the day.
  7. With your child, look at the differences outside each time you mark the sundial. Notice the position of the sun. Look at the shadows cast by other objects.
  8. Together, look for pictures of more elaborate sundials.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

  • How do you think a sundial is used?
  • Where does the shadow fall in the morning? Where does it fall at lunchtime?
  • Would you rather tell time by using a sundial or using a clock? Why?