EVENT: Eight 9th graders will present their Sundial Projects, describing all the main parameters of the design. I am excited to test the tutorial I wrote for them, and hope to publish it afterwards.

INTRODUCTION: Sundials come in all types and beautiful patterns, with hidden scientific facts to allow for accurate time telling. A sundial usually has a gnomon or an inclined stick which cast a shifting shadow on a platform throughout the day. Simple sundials tell the time of day from sunrise to sundown, while elaborate ones also serve as a full year calendar.

To build an accurate Sundial, it is critical to design with the following parameters in mind:

 a. The Sundial style with the horizontal plate must be the same as the local latitude

b. The Sundial style should be aligned with geographic North with the help of a magnet

 c. The actual local noon which is not the same as your watch