Aside from being a science project, making a weather barometer is quite easy and fun. You can make an aneroid (air) barometer from balloons, jars, and other simple tools. Alternatively, you can also make a water barometer from a bottle, plastic pipe, and a ruler. The barometer can be used to measure atmospheric pressure - meteorologists use this unit to provide accurate weather forecasts.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making an Aneroid Barometer
Step 1. Cut out the neck of the balloon
Cut the part under the mouth of the balloon with scissors. You can cut the balloon anywhere. Make sure the mouth of the balloon is big enough to cover the mouth of the jar.
Step 2. Stretch the balloon over the mouth of the jar
Use your hands to stretch the mouth of the balloon. After that, use the balloon to cover the mouth of the jar. Pull the entire balloon down so that the surface is flat and doesn't wrinkle.
- Once the balloon is stretched and closed the mouth of the jar, tie a rubber band around the rim of the mouth of the jar to prevent the balloon from falling off.
- Glass jars are a good option. However, you can also use metal cans.
- You can use jars or cans of various sizes. Make sure the mouth of the jar or can is not too big so the balloon can stretch easily.
Step 3. Glue the straws over the jars
If one end of the straw is bent, cut it off first. Apply a small amount of glue to one end of the straw. After that, stick the end of the straw that has been glued to the center of the balloon. The straw will stick and hang over the side of the jar. This straw serves to hold the pointer so you can observe changes in atmospheric pressure that are happening.
- Silicone glue is a good option. You can also use super glue, paper glue, or even stick glue.
- Wait for the glue to dry before moving on to the next step.
- The longer the straw used, the better the result (make sure the straw is straight and not bent). You can also insert one end of the straw into the other's hole to create a long straw.
Step 4. Paste the pointer
You can stick the needle to the end of the straw. This is done so that the sharp end of the needle hangs down. If you don't want to use a needle, you can make small arrows out of cardboard and insert them into the holes of the straw. Make sure the arrow sticks firmly so it doesn't come off. This arrow will indicate the movement of the straw when the atmospheric pressure changes.
Step 5. Place the stiff paper next to the pointer
To make it easier, stick a sheet of paper against the surface of the wall, then place a jar next to it so that the pointer points to the surface of the paper. Mark the position of the pointer on the paper. Above it, write "height". Below that, write "low".
- Stiff paper like cardboard is a good option. However, you can also use plain paper. You can buy various types of paper at the nearest stationery store.
- The pointer should be near the surface of the paper. However, make sure the pointer doesn't touch the paper.
Step 6. Record the change in the position of the barometer pointer
When the air pressure increases, the pointer will point up. When the air pressure decreases, the pointer will decrease as well. Observe how the barometer works, and watch when the pointer changes position.
- You can label the starting position of the pointer with the number “1”. After that, number each new position in order. You can do this if you want to use the barometer for a science project.
- The barometer works because when the air pressure increases, the balloon will be pushed down so that the pointer is pointing up.
Step 7. Draw conclusions from the results obtained
Record the weather conditions when there is a change in the position of the barometer indicator. When the pointer is pointing upwards due to increased air pressure, is the weather cloudy or sunny? What will the weather be like when the pointer is pointing downwards as the air pressure drops?
Low air pressure is generally associated with rainy weather. High air pressure is often associated with cloudy or cold weather
Method 2 of 2: Making a Water Barometer
Step 1. Cut off the top of the plastic bottle
A 2 liter plastic bottle is a good option. Use an empty, clean bottle. Take a pair of scissors and cut the top of the bottle so that the sides of the bottle are straight instead of curved.
Step 2. Insert the ruler into the bottle
The ruler should stand straight up against the side of the bottle. Stick one end of the tape to the surface of the ruler, then stick the other end to the outside of the bottle. Make sure the ruler numbers can be seen clearly.
Step 3. Insert the plastic pipe
One end of the pipe should be slightly above the bottom of the bottle. Use tape to attach the pipe to the surface of the ruler. It's a good idea to stick the tape over the surface of the water because the tape that gets in the water will come off.
- You will need a pipe that is approximately 40 cm long. If the pipe is too short, cut the side of the bottle so it doesn't go too high.
- Leave one end of the pipe hanging.
Step 4. Color the water with food coloring and then pour it into the bottle
Make sure the bottle is half filled with water. Add a few drops of food coloring to make it more interesting.
Step 5. Suck the water from the bottle
Suck the end of the pipe like a straw, then observe the water being sucked in. Continue sucking until the water hits the center of the pipe. Since the water is already colored, you can easily observe it.
- Plug the end of the straw with your tongue when the water is in the right position. This is done so that the water does not fall back down.
- Don't suck the water into your mouth!
Step 6. Cover the pipe hole with adhesive
You can use adhesive or even chewing gum! Prepare the adhesive and make sure the tongue is still stuck in the pipe opening. Lift the tongue from the pipe hole and quickly apply the adhesive to the pipe hole. It can withstand the air pressure and keep the water still.
Do this fast! If it fails, try again
Step 7. Mark the water line on the outside of the bottle
As the air pressure increases, the water level in the bottle will decrease and increase in the pipe. When the air pressure decreases, the water level in the bottle will increase and decrease in the pipe.
You can also mark changes in water level on a ruler. Alternatively, you can measure the water level as it rises or falls
Step 8. Study the data obtained
Generally, the water level in the pipe will increase when the weather is sunny. The water level in the pipe will decrease when it is cloudy or rainy. However, if you keep track of changes in pressure with a barometer, you may notice that sometimes changes in air pressure can occur when the weather isn't changing drastically.
Because the water barometer has a ruler, you can record changes in air pressure in millimeters. Use this unit to observe the slightest change in air pressure
Warning
- Supervise minors when using scissors or needles.
- If swallowed, the balloon may cause choking. Therefore, supervise minors when playing with balloons.
