How to Make a Thermometer

An easy way to make your own thermometer with only a few steps

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• clear, plastic bottle (11oz. water bottle works)
• water
• rubbing alcohol
• clear plastic drinking straw
• modeling clay
• food coloring

1. Fill about 1/4 of the bottle full with equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring.
3. Put the straw in the bottle, but don't let it touch the bottom.
4. Use the modeling clay to seal the neck of the bottle, so the straw stays in place. (Make sure the straw does not touch the bottom of the bottle.)
5. Hold your hands on the bottom of the bottle and watch the mixture move up through the straw.