- 1). Make a hole in the can. Harvard University's Hands On Astronomy website suggests making a working water clock model by poking a hole in the bottom of a coffee can, in the center of it. (See References 2: Water Clock Activity) Turn the can upside down on work surface and hammer a nail into it. Pull the nail out.
- 2). Select a jar that can hold the can, and that will be stable enough to support the can with water in it. A mayonnaise jar or other sturdy jar makes a good choice.
- 3). Put a strip of masking tape on the side of a jar, running from top to bottom.
- 4). Place the can on top of the jar and pour water into it. Check that the water drips steadily from the hole in the bottom of the can. If the rate isn't steady---for example if it drips and dribbles-- make the hole larger with a bigger nail. In order for the clock to tell time, the water must flow at an even rate. Once the water flows evenly, you're ready to set the clock.
- 5). Empty the jar. Check the time using a clock, watch or stopwatch with a second hand. Place the can of water on top of the jar and time one minute. Mark the tape for the water level at one minute. Add other times with a line on the tape as the water runs, such as five minutes and 10 minutes.
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