How to Build Simple Water Clocks
Water clocks were first used by Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese many, many years ago. This was a more practical way to keep track since it did not need the sun skinning like a sundial does. A simple water clock can be built to keep time at home and as a unique accent to a garden.
- Find a plant stand and then a pot that will fit it. A large pot or basin that can hold water without leaks is needed also.
- Place the putty in the bottom of the medium size pot to seal the drainage hole. Use the nail to then poke a small hole through the putty. Try out the hole to be sure it works correctly. Fill some water into the pot and watch it come from the hole. If it drips than the pot is ready, but if it is a steady stream of water flowing than it is not ready. Patch the hole and try to use a smaller nail to make the hole. Once water drips slowly from the bottom of the pot, you are ready for the next step.
- Set the medium pot on the plant stand where you want the water clock located.
- Move the large pot to the bottom of the plant stand. It can be either on a lower shelf directly under the medium size pot or on the floor under the top pot. Water needs to be able to drip from the top pot to the bottom pot without spilling out.
- Find the marker and timer and get ready to make marks on the large pot. You will be making marks every five minutes or thirty minutes, whichever you prefer.
- Fill the top pot with water while using a finger to keep water from coming out of the hole. Once the pot is filled and your timer is ready, remove your finger.
- Make a mark inside the large pot at water level for the time you desire. Every five minutes can be marked to keep time that is more accurate or every thirty minutes if you want a general timekeeper.
- Clean up the supplies used and then, you are ready to start keeping time with water in your garden. Keep track of how long you water your plants or play outside with your children. This is a fun and artistic way to keep track of time while outdoors.