How to Build Water Clocks
Water clocks were first used by the Egyptians to tell time. Now there are watches, cell phones and clocks of may different styles to use to tell accurate time. Using a water clock today can be a way to tell time without using any electricity or energy. It is a green way to tell time and can be made as simple or elaborate as desired.
- Gather the things you will need for this project. The container needs to either be clear or have a see-through section. The marker needs to be permanent to where the water will not clean it off. A thumbtack or something that will poke through the container is needed. Support is needed to hold the container above the ground. Something to catch the water will be needed if the clock is used indoors. A timer or clock of some kind will help you set the times on the water clock.
- Poke a hole in the bottom of the container with the thumbtack. The hole needs to be small and allow water to only drip through it. There should not be a steady stream of water flowing from it.
- Place two or four supports under the container on each side. These supports will hold the container off the ground to allow the water to come out the hole on the bottom. The supports can be anything that lifts the container. Two small boards can be used or even a plant stand. The water collector can even be the support.
- Locate something under the container to collect water. A bucket, bowl, flowerpot or even a flowerbed can be used under the container.
- Ready the timer and marker. You will be timing how long it takes the water to drip out of the container.
- Fill the container with water and use a finger to keep it from dripping out of the hole while you make sure it is flat on the support and your timer is ready.
- Remove your finger and start the timer. Use the marker to draw a line at the new water level every five minutes. Mark every thirty minutes darker or longer than the rest so it is easy to spot.
- Refill the container with water and you now have a water clock.