Brayton Elementary Students Reveal New Sundial

The following was submitted by the Summit Educational Foundation: 

Brayton Elementary School was proud to unveil their new sundial at a ceremony Friday October 18th. Artist Duncan Mackenzie couldn’t have planned for a better day, the sun was fully cooperating for his demonstration.

The sundial was made possible through a grant provided by SEF (Summit Educational Foundation) in the spring of 2013, and the Brayton PTO.

Heather Eisenmenger, Meghan Garibaldi, and Brayton Principal Dr. Cheryl Moretz, applied for the SEF grant.

The SEF grant helped to fund the development and installation of a large-scale scientific analemmatic sundial on the blacktop west of Brayton. As Artist Duncan Mackenzie explained at the assembly, the sundial will provide an opportunity for the students to better understand nature, the seasons, the earth, and the solar system in a hands-on manner. Children will be able to casually interact with the sundial at recess, as well as use it in specific curriculum across all grades. Students can all say they participated in the sundial’s creation as they helped to paint it during their art classes.

"This has been a wonderful experience installing the sundial at Brayton. It was great working with the kids on the installation and watching their excitement as they learned how a sundial works," said Duncan Mackenzie.

Brayton students and teachers agreed. "I thought it was cool because I noticed the time change and after school I will come back and see if it says 3", proclaimed Jack Wilson, third grade.  Mrs. Senko, a third grade teacher, watching the demonstration said, "I think it's fascinating".

"This is so awesome!" exclaimed one student. "It really works!" added another.  "Now we won't have to ask the aides what time it is at recess!"

Students and visitors alike will enjoy the benefits of the sundial for years to come.