Paper plate sundial calendar for 9-year-olds
This project is for 9-year-olds making a simple outdoor shadow tracker with adult placement help. It records time observations instead of serving as a precise clock.
What to buy
Sturdy white paper plate
1
Cardstock rectangle
1
Wooden pencil with eraser
1
Masking tape
1 roll
Weatherproof marker
1
Ruler
1
Pencil
1
Daily observation chart printouts
7 sheets
Clipboard
1
Colored pencils
1 set
Small pebbles
6
Who this list is for
This paper plate sundial calendar list is for a nine-year-old recording outdoor shadow observations for a week with adult placement help. It is a simple shadow tracker, not a precise clock.
How to use this list
Make the tracker from the sturdy white paper plate, cardstock rectangle, wooden pencil with eraser, masking tape, ruler, pencil, and weatherproof marker. An adult should help choose and keep a consistent outdoor placement. Use the small pebbles to help mark or steady the observation setup as appropriate. Bring the clipboard, seven daily observation chart printouts, and colored pencils outside at the same planned times to record the shadows.
Common mistakes
Do not move the plate between observations if the goal is to compare shadows. Skip promises of exact clock time; the calendar records what the child observes. Do not use a non-weatherproof marker for outdoor markings, since rain or damp conditions can blur the lines.
What is on this list
The list includes one sturdy white paper plate, one cardstock rectangle, one wooden pencil with eraser, masking tape, one weatherproof marker, a ruler, pencil, seven daily observation chart printouts, one clipboard, colored pencils, and six small pebbles. Cross off supplies already on hand.
Day-of
Before each observation, bring the clipboard and the correct daily chart outside. Have an adult confirm the tracker is still in its intended position, then record the shadow observation with the colored pencils.
FAQ
Who is "Paper plate sundial calendar for 9-year-olds" for?
This paper plate sundial calendar list is for a nine-year-old recording outdoor shadow observations for a week with adult placement help. It is a simple shadow tracker, not a precise clock.
How should I use "Paper plate sundial calendar for 9-year-olds"?
Make the tracker from the sturdy white paper plate, cardstock rectangle, wooden pencil with eraser, masking tape, ruler, pencil, and weatherproof marker. An adult should help choose and keep a consistent outdoor placement. Use the small pebbles to help mark or steady the observation setup as appropriate. Bring the clipboard, seven daily observation chart pr…
What should I skip or avoid with "Paper plate sundial calendar for 9-year-olds"?
Do not move the plate between observations if the goal is to compare shadows. Skip promises of exact clock time; the calendar records what the child observes. Do not use a non-weatherproof marker for outdoor markings, since rain or damp conditions can blur the lines.
What is on the "Paper plate sundial calendar for 9-year-olds" list?
The list includes one sturdy white paper plate, one cardstock rectangle, one wooden pencil with eraser, masking tape, one weatherproof marker, a ruler, pencil, seven daily observation chart printouts, one clipboard, colored pencils, and six small pebbles. Cross off supplies already on hand.
What should I check on the day of?
Before each observation, bring the clipboard and the correct daily chart outside. Have an adult confirm the tracker is still in its intended position, then record the shadow observation with the colored pencils.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.