Sundial Base

• A paper or styrofoam cup from a fast-food restaurant can act as the ideal base for a classroom sundial. Make sure the cup is clean and dry. You should also fill the cup with rocks or pebbles so it won't easily tip over.
  
  

Dial

• To make the "dial" part of the sundial, poke a hole two inches below the top lip of the cup. Use a sharp pencil or scissors to make the hole. Place the lid on the cup and stick the straw through the lid, positioning it so the straw also goes through the hole you just made in the side. The straw is now at a slant, making the dial.
  
  

Shadows

• Let students take the sundial outside and set it in the sun. Take note of the time and bring the students inside. After a few hours, allow the students to check the sundial to see how the straw's shadow has moved as time has progressed.
  
  

Class Report

• Students can turn the sundial into a science project or school report. Give students an assignment to chart the shadow's progress each hour by having them trace lines as the shadow moves. The class can work on project together or individually.