One type of the exterior clocks is the sundial. This can be in the classic form or a more modern one, but however it is one of the most popular types of exterior clocks which has a very long history and tradition behind it. You can made sundials for kids as a fun way of learning the clock, but also about how nature and the sun works and a lot of other knowledge. By making sundials for kids you use both aesthetics and practical skills as well as science and measurement methods. So it's really a good idea to create sundials for kids! You'll probably enjoy it just as much yourself. Maybe you own a sundial and has placed it in your garden, preferably in a sunny place. If this is the case, you know how beautiful sundials are, how practical it is to be able to see what time it is just by slightly turning your head when you lie in your sunbathing chair during the summer. There are lots of advantages with sundials; they don't make that sometimes irritating ticking sound, they don't need any batteries or electricity, they go forever (that is, when the sun shines on them) and so on... To make sundials for kids is a great way to spend time with your family and friends and have a little project that can be more or less advanced and time demanding.
There are so many types of sundials; from the most simple ones which are constructed by sticking a thin branch in the sand, to more complicated sundials with different marks from which you can read out more than what time it is. The simplest type of sundial to make for kids is a horizontal one, that is one that is parallel to the ground. When making sundials for kids, you only need some simple materials and tools that you probably already have at home. Thus, this is a cheap and simple activity! What you need is; a pair of scissors, a craft knife, some tape (sello typer or other), a compass, a heavy card or hard paper/cardboard. And you also need a sunny day, or the patience to wait for one! On the Internet and in many hobby books you find templates to copy or print out. Otherwise you can make your own template. This will be the dial or clock face on your sundials for kids. If you try this simple way to make sundials for kids, and if you're successful and find it entertaining, you may want to try something a little more challenging. Then you can try to make a vertical sundial, or a sundial made of wood, or why not equatorial sundials for kids? Good luck and happy sundial-making!
