Weather instruments2

Barometer

A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.

 

Materials

	-         a jar
	-         tape
	-         large balloon
	-         paper
	-         drinking straw
	-         elastic band

-          

1.)    Cut the neck of the balloon off and stretch it over the opening of the jar.

 

 

2.)    Tape a straw to the middle of the balloon. 

 

3.)    Tape a piece of paper to the wall so that the end of the straw can touch it. 

 

4.)    On the paper make a line where the straw is touching and record the date. 

 

5.)    Record the daily movements of the straw on the piece of paper.  This allows the students to see the change in air pressure. 

Important Info:

-         High air pressure will make the balloon cave in and make the straw go up.

-         Low pressure will make the balloon puff up and make the straw go down.