Name: Mhaya Jhowezsa S.
Lutino 11-Mercury
“Stellar Meridian"
Our title combines the wonder of the stars (stellar) with the concept of the
meridian, a reference to the role of a gnomon in marking the passage of time. It
evokes the idea of a celestial guide, symbolizing navigation through time and space.
At first, I thought making a sundial or gnomon would be a simple and
straightforward task. I assumed it wouldn’t require much effort and that we’d finish it
quickly. However, as we started working on it, I quickly realized it was much more
complicated than I had imagined. One of the earliest challenges we faced was calculating
the latitude and figuring out where the sun would be at different times of the day. This
process wasn’t as straightforward as I had expected and required a lot of problem-solving
and careful thinking. It made me appreciate just how much precision goes into making
something as seemingly simple as a sundial.
The first step in our project was brainstorming the design. We wanted to create
something unique and eye-catching - something that would stand out to the judges and
leave a lasting impression on anyone who saw it. During our brainstorming, we came up
with a theme that revolved around stargazing and the celestial world. Our design featured
a cover inspired by an observatory, symbolizing a place to look at the stars and study the
heavens. To complement this, we included a telescope to tie into our celestial theme. For
the sundial itself, we decided on a back-to-back moon design, a creative and elegant
representation of time and the cosmos. This concept reflected the connection between
the movement of celestial bodies and the passage of time, tying together all aspects of
our theme. Once we finalized the design, we started thinking about the materials we
would use. After weighing a few options, our group leader decided on wood because it
was sturdy, durable, and complemented the concept we had in mind. I agreed with this
choice and felt excited to see how the project would come together. With the material
chosen, our group leader began shaping the circular base for the sundial, while I focused
on drafting the design and turning it into reality. This part of the process was both
rewarding and challenging. Seeing my ideas come to life was incredibly satisfying, but it
required a lot of focus, effort, and careful adjustments to make sure everything looked
and functioned as intended. Every detail mattered, and I wanted to get it just right. Once
the design was complete, we moved on to the most challenging part: placing the time
markers on the sundial. This was far more stressful than I had anticipated. We had to
determine where each hour should be positioned, from 6:00 in the morning all the way
to 5:00 in the afternoon. At first, the times didn’t align correctly, no matter how hard we
tried. We even considered suggestions from other groups, but their advice wasn’t
accurate either. It took countless trials and errors to finally get the sundial to show the
correct time. This was the moment I realized just how wrong I had been to assume that
this task would be easy. Every small detail had to be precise, and even the tiniest mistake
could throw off the entire project. It was a real test of patience and teamwork.
As we worked, I couldn’t help but think about how people in ancient times relied
on sundials to tell time. It must have been incredibly difficult for them to figure out the
sun’s position and create accurate time markers without the tools and technology we
have today. This realization made me feel so much more grateful for modern
advancements that make life easier for us. It also gave me a deep respect for the
ingenuity and determination of the people who lived in those times. Their ability to solve
complex problems with limited resources is truly inspiring. Reflecting on this experience,
I learned some valuable lessons. This task helped us understand how ancient tools like
sundials were used to tell time by tracking the sun's movement. By making a sundial, we
connected what we learned in geography, math, and science to real-life applications. It
showed us how the movements of the sun affect daily life and gave us a glimpse into the
creativity of ancient civilizations. We also practiced teamwork, problem-solving, and
creativity while building a working sundial. I now understand the importance of
teamwork, patience, and precision. This project taught me not to underestimate a task
based on how simple it looks on the surface. It also showed me that mistakes and
challenges are opportunities to learn and grow. Although there were moments of stress
and frustration, I’m proud of what my team and I accomplished. The experience not only
taught me practical skills but also left me with a sense of pride and gratitude. I’ll carry
these lessons with me into future projects and challenges.
