How to Make a Weather Machine
A barometer is a device that measures atmospheric pressure and is commonly used by meteorologists when forecasting. When the pressure is higher, sunny or clear weather is in the forecast. When the pressure is lower, rain and clouds are on their way. You can make a simple version of this weather machine at home to accurately predict clear or rainy weather in your immediate area. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Balloon Scissors Glass with wide opening Rubber band Straw, at least 8 inches long Tape Sheet of paper Pen or pencil
Instructions
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1
Blow up the balloon as much as you can, then slowly release the air. This action prestretches the balloon, making it easier to work with. Cut the balloon in half with the scissors. Throw away the piece with the neck attached.
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2
Stretch the remaining piece of the balloon across the opening of the glass. Pull it tight and secure it with a rubber band. Make the seal as airtight as possible. Avoid gaps in between the balloon and glass.
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3
Lay the straw on top of the balloon-lid of the glass. The end of the straw should be sitting one-quarter of the way onto the balloon-lid. The tape should be placed about 1 inch from the end of the straw. The weather machine, or barometer, is complete.
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4
Create a measurement system for forecasting. Place the weather machine next to a wall. Tape the piece of paper behind it.
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5
Mark a line where the straw currently meets the paper. Leave room above and below the mark on the paper to make marks when the straw moves up and down.
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For the next few days, remain vigilant. Check the straw as often as possible and mark when it moves on the paper. Write what the weather is like at that time next to the mark. Is it sunny or rainy? Once you've figured out where the straw moves when the weather changes, you'll have a functioning weather machine that will help you forecast the conditions in your area.
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Tips & Warnings
When the straw moves up with higher atmospheric pressure, the weather should be sunny. As the straw lowers with lower atmospheric pressure, rainy or cloudy weather should be expected. Place the weather machine in a lightly used area so it is not disturbed.
Do not place the weather machine in direct sunlight. This can affect the reading by wearing out the balloon. Do not let small children near the weather machine without adult supervision. The balloon is a suffocation hazard, and the glass can cause serious injury.
