I love this sundial craft for kids because my kids thought it was super cool and there are all kinds of great educational tie ins. Today I am sharing a free printable template to help you make this easy Sundial craft with your kids!
Schools out around here, and we are on the hunt for fun, summer activities to keep the kids busy. We created this free printable sundial to share in the June 2015 issue of Raising Arizona Kids magazine. It is the perfect project for a sunny, summer day.
how do sundials work
This sundial project is a perfect activity to go along with learning to tell time. In fact, if you’re working on telling time don’t miss my “What Time Is It?” free printable worksheet.
Naturally as you are making this sundial kids craft, you’re little inquiring minds will want to know how sundials work. I found this great SciKids video on YouTube that does a great job explaining how sundials work.
Sun Dial Craft Instructions
You can easily create this sundial with items you already have at home — essentially just a paper plate, pencil and our free printable sundial clock face.
- Paint the back of the plate or leave it plain.
- Cut out the clock face and glue it on the back of the plate.
- Use a hammer and nail to punch a hole in the center.
- Stick a pencil through the hole—then head outdoors!
Be sure to position the sundial with the “12” pointing north to determine the current time.
the supermom handwriting library
Want all my handwriting worksheets & Lined Papers?
get all 124 PDF files WITH JUST one click!
Just $7.99
$124 value & Available for a limited time at MORE THAN 90% OFF!
34 alphabet worksheets with every letter, numbers & punctuation.
16 themed handwriting worksheets fun for holidays & every month of the year.
10 basic phonics worksheets covering short & long vowels.
32 cursive practice pages with the full alphabet.
36 lined paper templates for everything: from primary lined paper & college rule to graph paper, music staff & more!
DIY Sundial for Kids
You can easily create this DIY sundial for kids with items you already have at home.
Materials
- Free Printable Sundial Clock Face Template
- Paper Plate
- Pencil
- Paint & Brush (optional)
Tools
- Scissors
- Glue Stick
- Hammer & Nail
- Compass (optional)
Instructions
- If using, paint the back of the paper plate and let dry completely. If you're in a rush just leave the plate plain.
- Cut out the clock face and glue it on the back of the plate.
- Use a hammer and nail to punch a hole in the center.
- Stick a pencil through the hole—then head outdoors!
Notes
Obviously you need to take your sundial outside to use it. Be sure to position the sundial with the “12” pointing north to determine the current time.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
More Kid-Friendly Summer Activities
Be sure to pin this post for later and check out our Summer Pinterest board full of fun ideas like these…
About the author
Bettijo is the founder and designer of Paging Supermom where she shares what she's dreamed up for family fun. Known for practical and kid-friendly activities, free printables and simple ideas for holidays. She is a single mom of three girls and one boy. Bettijo was a guest on the Martha Stewart Show and has frequently appeared on local television. Her work has also been featured in national magazines including Real Simple, O, Redbook, Parents, Family Circle, and Health. During quieter moments, she enjoys art, retro-modern design, photography and making new things. Bettijo lives with her four kiddos in Phoenix, Arizona.
Skip to Instructions
This sundial would not work. Please look up real sundials to see what they look like.