This activity is great one to use when teaching about:
- Time concepts (Gr. 3 Math)
- Properties of light, or Common objects in the sky (Gr. 1 Science)
What You Will Need:
Chalk
Observation Journal or print-out (attached here).
Measuring tool
A paved area (driveway, sidewalk, empty parking lot, basketball court, etc.)
What To Do:
Get into partners.
Find a paved area.
Designate one partner as the "Tracer" and one as the "Gnomon" (sticky up part of a sundial).
Have the Gnomon stand facing North (with adult help).
Tell the Gnomon to stay very still as the Tracer traces the outline of their shadow onto the pavement with the chalk.
Write the time above the head of the shadow.
As a team, observe the shadow and take notes about what you see. Document this in your journal or on your print-out. Include the time, measurements and an orientation drawing of the shadow from the Gnomon's perspective.
Return to the same spot every hour and repeat the process!