Aim: To build a sundial.
Research: Find a youtube video on how Sundials work.
Method:
- Cut around the outer edge of the Sundial diagram.
- Fold the centre vertical line up, and the 2 True South lines down to create a triangle (called the Gnomon) that stands vertically from the horizontal paper sundial face.
- Make sure the Gnomon stands vertically, at right angles to the sundial face.
- Place the Sundial flat and level, with the Gnomon (triangle) pointing toward True South for the Southern hemisphere.
Results: Picture of your Sundial
Discussion:
- The needle on the compass points to Magnetic North. Is that the same as the North Pole (Geographic North)? What is the difference? Hint
- The Earth spins once every 24 hours (one day). This makes it look like the sun is travelling across the sky. How many degrees does the sun travel each hour?
- On our sundial, when it’s pointed True South, it will indicate that the time is 12 noon when the Sun is highest in the sky. Is that correct? Hint
- If it’s not true, what time is Solar Noon today? Hint
- Does the sun rise at the same time every day? If not, why not? Hint
- Why do we have daylight savings in NZ? Hint
- We use Greenwich Mean Time to arrange the time zones around the World. Which country was the first to have a standardised time? And why? Hint