How Can a Watch and the Sun Show You Which Way Is South?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can a watch and the Sun show you which way is south?

The Big Idea

Here is a cool trick for finding south with nothing but a watch and the Sun. It works in the Northern Hemisphere with an old-style watch that has hands. Let's learn how.

Aim the Hour Hand

Step one: aim the hour hand. In the Northern Hemisphere, point the hour hand of an old-style watch toward the Sun. You can do this by lining it up with a stick's shadow, rather than looking up.

Find the Halfway Line

Step two: find the halfway line. Halfway between the hour hand and the 12 is a line that points south. Now you know roughly where south is.

Not Exact

Step three: it is not exact. The trick is not exact, but it gives you a rough direction. It works best if the time is standard time, not daylight saving time.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Point the hour hand at the Sun. Find the halfway spot to 12. That line points south. It is a rough guide.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! This method works best if the time is standard time, not daylight saving time. Use a stick's shadow, not your eyes. You can check it against a compass. It gives a rough direction, not an exact one.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up on a sunny day, hold a toy watch flat. Line the hour hand up with a stick's shadow. Mark south and check it with a compass. Never look at the Sun directly. Write down what you notice, and share it with a grown-up.

Outro

A watch and the Sun can give you a rough direction for south, with a little clever thinking. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!