Making a Rain Gauge!
Studying the weather isn’t just for meteorologists.
By creating a rain gauge of our very own and measuring rainfall, we can discover what the weather is like in our own backyard!
For more fun studying the weather, click here to learn how to Make Your Own Barometer!
Making a Rain Gauge!
Materials
-
Plastic Bottle (recycle if you can)
-
Scissors
-
Tape that stays stuck when wet
-
Ruler that you don’t need back
-
Card stock
-
Marker
-
Modeling Clay
-
Gravel
Procedure
-
Wrap the card stock around the top of the bottle, about 4 inches from the top. Use your marker to draw a line around the bottle. Carefully cut along this line, ask for help if you need it.
-
Be careful as the edges may be sharp. Fold a piece of tape over the edges of both pieces of the bottle to cover any sharp edges or uneven cutting.
-
Fill the bottom of the gauge with gravel. This will weigh it down so it doesn’t blow over and help form an even bottom surface, which is important for proper measurements.
-
Use the modeling clay to make a thick disk, the same width as your bottle and put it on top of the gravel. Press it onto the gravel and the sides of the bottle so that you create a watertight seal.
-
Place your ruler against the outside of the bottle. Line up the zero line of your ruler with the top of the modeling clay disk. Secure the ruler in place with tape.
-
Place the top piece of the bottle upside down in the bottom part. This will help funnel rain into the gauge as well as stop any of the water inside from evaporating before you can measure it.
-
Place your rain gauge outside in a clear area and check your measurements regularly, emptying your rain gauge each time.
This experiment is great for Beginner Explorers
and uses household items. Scissors are required.
