Gathering data on the cycles of the weather is a great science project for children. Collecting figures on daily and annual rainfall using a rain gauge is a simple lesson in meteorology. Look below for instructions on make a glass rain gauge for both daily and annual rainfall measurement.
Instructions
1. Print off and cut out a rain gauge ruler from the Internet. See reference section for some possible choices. Check the accuracy of the ruler by comparing with a regular ruler.
2. Cover the paper gauge with sticky back plastic, cellophane or clear packing tape to make it waterproof. There should be no gaps between the plastic and the paper.
3. Clean out a used spaghetti sauce jar or another glass jar, removing the label completely so that you end up with a clear glass container. Keep the lid to prevent evaporation between showers.
4. Place the rain ruler on the inside of the jar making sure to line the base of the jar up with the zero at the bottom of the ruler. Placing the ruler on the inside increase the accuracy of the results.
5. Secure the ruler at the top and the bottom with clear adhesive tape. Use a strong packing style tape for this purpose. Cheap thin tape will soon peel off with the water intake.
6. Set the rain gauge outside in an area where pets, children or wind will not disturb it. It is a good idea to bury the jar slightly in the earth to prevent it toppling over.
7. Remove lid and wait for the rains to come. Check the jar everyday to check that no small insects or other debris have gotten into the jar.
Tags: rain gauge, annual rainfall, daily annual, daily annual rainfall, ruler inside