Make a Barometer

We can measure changes in air pressure by making a barometer using a few simple pieces of equipment.
 

You will need:

  • a jam jar or straight-sided glass
  • a long-necked bottle
  • water mixed with food colouring
  • a marker pen

Stage 1

 REDBALL1.GIF (137 bytes) Place the bottle upside down in the jar so that it is resting on the rim. The top of the bottle should be just above the bottom of the jar.

Stage 2

 REDBALL1.GIF (137 bytes) Remove the bottle and pour some coloured water into the jar. You should use enough so that the water just covers the neck of the bottle when it is in place.

Stages 3 and 4

 REDBALL1.GIF (137 bytes) On the side of the jar, use the marker pen to mark the current level of the water in the bottle. Put your barometer in a place where the temperature is fairly constant.

 

REDBALL1.GIF (137 bytes) Mark any changes in the water level over the next few weeks on the side of the jar.
 

- When the water is high in the bottle, air pressure is high and the weather should stay fine.

- When the water is low in the bottle, air pressure is low and it will be stormy.
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