Recreating the Oldest Recognized Timekeeping Device (The Sundial).

This is a simple sundial you can make for your garden or any place that receives full sunlight. The sundial is a historic item because it has been used since 1500 BC and is also the oldest recognized timekeeping device.

Enjoy making this historic item as you follow along with these steps.

For this project you will need:

1. A round plastic container that can be destroyed
2. A container for mixing
3. Plaster of Paris
4. Water
5. A skewer
6. A stick
7. A marker
8. Scissors or a box cutter
9. A watch or clock

For this step you will need:

1. The plaster of Paris
2. The mixing container
3. The stick
4. The water

Pour the powdered plaster into the mixing container. Then, pour the water as you mix using the stick until the plaster is the consistency of pancake batter. Mix until there are no lumps in the mixture.

For this step you will need:

1. the mixed plaster
2. the round container that can be destroyed
3. the skewer

Pour the mixed plaster into the round container so that it fills up approximately 1\2" of the container. Then put the skewer into the center of the poured plaster and lean it against the side at a 45° angle (see picture). Let this dry overnight in a place where no one will accidentally touch or bump it.

For this step you will need:

1. The dried plaster with a stick in it from step 2
2. The scissors or box cutter

Use the scissors and cut the container almost up to where the plaster is (see picture). Then carefully remove the dried plaster from the container. Be careful not to break the skewer.

For the step you will need:

1. The finished products from step 3
2. The marker
3. a watch

Bring the sundial outside and face the tilt of the skewer directly North. Always keep the sundial in one position throughout the day, using a watch or clock, mark the proper time every hour (see picture). If it is cloudy at certain hours, or you forget to mark the sundial you can just mark it another day. Once the sundial is set, your sundial is finished. You can set the sundial up in your garden or just in your backyard, but make sure that the tilts of the skewer is always facing north and that the sundial is in full sunlight throughout the day. But note, if you are using the sundial as a permanent feature outside, you will need to seal the plaster so that it withstands the weather.