Article

Making a Rain Gauge

| April 2017

Article Banner Rain Gauge

There's no better way to learn about the weather than to observe it and experience it first hand. Keep track of your local precipitation with a simple rain gauge made from a clear plastic bottle. If you calibrate it carefully, you can take quite accurate readings.

1. Cut the top section off a clear bottle as shown. Use a ruler to mark measuring increments starting about 2" from the bottom.

Rain guage1

2. Place several small rocks in the bottom (for weight), then fill the bottle with water to the 0 mark. This will calibrate your gauge.

Rain gauge 2

3. Invert the top of the bottle into to rain gauge to act as a funnel. Place gauge on a flat surface outside.

Rain gauge 3

4. Wait for the next rain and observe and record rainfall amounts.

rain gauge 4

Looking for more inspirations for rainy days? Check out Ten Rainy Day Activities.

Topics
Projects and Activities, Environmental Education