How to Make Egyptian Water Clocks

A water clock is a time-telling device that allows a regulated flow of water to drip into a vessel where it is then measured. One of the earliest known water clocks was found in ancient Egypt. Water clocks can still be found today and make for an easy DIY project.

You’ll need:

• Masking tape


• Nails


• Coffee can


• Pen


• Stop watch


• Glass jar with a narrow top

1. Use the nail and the hammer to make a hole in the coffee can. The hole will need to be in the bottom of the can, so the easiest way is to turn the coffee can upside-down and punch the hole in it.


2. Select a glass jar that is wide and sturdy. It will have to be able to hold the can with water in it without toppling over.


3. Tear a strip of masking tape the same height of the glass jar. Eventually the tape will be marked with time in minutes.


4. Place the coffee can on top of the glass jar and put some water in it. Watch how the water drips from the can into the jar. If it is dripping unevenly then you will need to open the hole up a little more.


5. Use the hammer and nail to make the hole a little larger.


6. Repeat step 4 and 5 until the water is dripping at a consistent rate.


7. Empty the jar and can and ready the stop watch. Pour water into the coffee can and start the stop watch when the water starts to drip into the jar.


8. Mark the level of the water on the masking tape at one minute and then at 10 minute increments until the jar is full.