You are going to build a simple instrument called a sextant, and then use it to measure the elevation of the Sun at local noon.

You are going to build a simple instrument called a sextant, which is used for measuring the elevation of objects in the sky. Elevation is just the angle from the horizon to the object. For example, in San Diego the elevation of the North Star is 32 degrees. Use this link for instructions on how to build one: https://www.popsci.com/make-sextant-from-junk/

You will make observations of the Sun over a period of about four hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 pm., on a sunny day.

Sight along the straight edge of your sextant. Aim the straight edge at the Sun, just as you would aim the barrel of a gun. The weighted string will hang against one of the degree markings on the protractor. If you have an assistant, instruct him/her/it to take note of the degree mark the string hangs against. If no partner, try to press the string against the protractor as soon as you have sighted in the Sun, keeping the string in place, before you lower the sextant. Do this as fast as you can. Do not stare at the Sun for more than a few seconds. Wear sun glasses if possible.

The middle of the curved part of the protractor is 90 degrees. Count how many degree markings are between your string and the 90 degree mark on your protractor. That angle is the elevation of the Sun. The Sun’s elevation reaches a maximum at local noon. So take an elevation measurement at 10 a.m., one at 10:30, 11:00, etc., every half hour until 2 pm. You will see the elevation numbers rise to a max, then decrease again. That max occurs at local noon.