Tools like the Sextant, Astrolabe, Quadrant, and Inclinometer, (as well as many others) have been used for navigation for centuries! These devices have helped sailors with their voyages by simplifying celestial navigation- knowing where you are based on the location of the stars.
Today's craft is technically more like an inclinometer than a sextant, but we're using the more common name to keep things easy.
Begin with a paper straw! This will be used as your sight.
(Ours have stars on them, which makes it extra cute! It also fits our celestial theme.)
Cut a piece of string to approximately 7 or 8 inches long. Tie one end around the straw, and the other through a metal washer.
Line your protractor up with the string, so that the knot meets the 90 degree mark, pointing straight down. You will want at least half an inch of straw overhanging the "back" with the rest extending past the "front" of the protractor.
With the string on the same side of the protractor as the printed numbers, tape the straw firmly in place. We recommend using book tape or packing tape, so that it's clear.
(Another option is to glue the sight in place with a hot glue gun.)
That's all it takes to make your navigation tool! To use it, all you need to do is look through the sight. Locate an object you want to spot through the hole of the straw. Hold the sextant vertically, tilting it so the object you are viewing (such as a star) is in line with your sight. Pinch the string against the protractor to hold it in place. You should be able to read the angle of the object you have spotted!
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