Wilderness Emergency Solar Compass Clock

45 mins Ages 7-12 Outdoor

An engaging, screen-free learning activity that builds real-world creativity and critical thinking for kids aged 7 to 12.

Materials Needed

  • • Analog wristwatch (or drawn clock disc with current time) (1 unit)
  • • Straight reference stick (approx. 20 cm) (1 stick)
  • • Open outdoor area with clear sun exposure (1 space)

Pro Tips

  • → In the Northern Hemisphere, hold an analog watch horizontal and point the hour hand directly at the sun.
  • → Find the point halfway between the hour hand and the 12 o’clock mark: that exact line points due South.
  • → Directly opposite South along that line is due North.

Safety First

Do not stare directly at the sun; look only at watch hands and shadows.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Step 1

Step into an open sunny clearing wearing an analog watch (or hold a drawn paper watch set to current time).

2

Step 2

Hold the watch flat in your palm and rotate your body until the hour hand points directly toward the sun.

3

Step 3

Lay a straight stick across the watch face to bisect the angle between the hour hand and 12 o'clock.

4

Step 4

Follow the stick line across the landscape: the forward line points due South, while the reverse line points due North.

What they are learning

Solar positioning and celestial navigation Equatorial angle bisection North-South line finding without a compass