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How to Build a Barometer for Middle School

Learning to predict the weather can be both entertaining and useful. To predict weather changes, one has to have the right tools at hand. One of those tools is called a barometer. A barometer measures the surrounding air pressure and can be monitored as those changes occur. As the tool moves, you will learn how to interpret the changes and how they correlate to the weather you see. Barometers are also easy to make using some basic materials you may have around your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Balloon
  • Scissors
  • Jar
  • Rubber band
  • Tape
  • Drinking straw
  • Index card
  • Marking pen
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Instructions

    • 1
      A balloon can be used for a barometer

      Blow up the balloon to stretch it out, release air, and then use the scissors to cut the tip, or mouthpiece, off of the balloon. Start by slicing just the very tip off and stretch the opening of the balloon around the top of the jar. If it doesn't fit, cut more fo the balloon until you can stretch it across the mouth of the jar.

    • 2

      Secure the balloon snugly in place using the rubber band. Lay the straw on the jar with one-third of it hanging over the jar's edge. Secure the straw in place with tape.

    • 3
      A drinking straw becomes a gauge.

      Draw three lines 1/5 inch or 1/2 cm. apart from each other on the index card. Each line should then be labeled at the top with the words high, moderate and low. Tape the card onto the back of the jar, then point the straw so it lines up with the moderate line. Place the barometer on a flat level surface inside the house.

    • 4

      Check the barometer regularly each day for around a week and take note of where the straw is pointing. When the air pressure is low, it means the air pressure inside the jar is higher than outside it. This can mean bad weather may be coming. The balloon will then expand and push the straw downward. When the air pressure is higher outside the jar, the balloon will deflate into the jar and the straw will point upward. This means the weather should be fair.

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