Speaker
Description
The shepherd’s dial is a historical portable sundial that offers a valuable opportunity to explore the relationship between astronomical observation, timekeeping, and geographical location. This contribution presents an educational workshop centered on the construction and use of shepherd’s dials, designed to integrate the history of astronomy, inquiry-based learning, and citizen science practices.
The activity began with an introduction to the historical development of portable sundials and their role in everyday life before the widespread adoption of mechanical clocks and modern timekeeping systems. Participants then built their own shepherd’s dials, calibrating them according to the latitude of their home cities. This hands-on experience provided an opportunity to investigate the astronomical and geometrical principles underlying the instrument, including the apparent motion of the Sun, latitude dependence, and the distinction between solar and civil time.
In a subsequent observational phase, participants used their instruments in real-world conditions, recording and comparing the time indicated by the shepherd’s dial with civil time and local solar time. The collected observations were shared and analyzed collaboratively, allowing participants to engage directly in data collection and interpretation processes characteristic of citizen science projects.
The workshop demonstrates how the reconstruction and use of historical scientific instruments can foster a deeper understanding of fundamental astronomical concepts while promoting active public engagement with science. The project highlights the educational value of combining historical perspectives, practical experimentation, and participatory scientific practices, offering a replicable model for science education and public outreach activities in the history of astronomy.