Mathematics & Science Center

MathinScience.info

Instructional Kit: Weather Watchers

Making a Barometer
Mathematics & Science Center Staff
Developed with funding from Dominion
and the Mathematics & Science Center
Major Understanding

A barometer is a weather instrument used to measure the air pressure. Air

pressure status is observed over time in order to predict the weather

Grade/Subject

Grade 4 Science (Earth Science); Science 6; Earth Science

Objective

Use different weather instruments to measure weather conditions and to make

weather predictions, e.g. barometer, thermometer, anemometer, wind vane,
sling psychrometer.

Time

Model explanation
Student model construction

Safety

Make sure that the rim of the can has no jagged edges.
Scissors should be handled with care.

Materials

For each student:

Clean, empty condensed soup can with the top removed.
Beverage can hugger
Balloon
Rubber band
Wooden Splint or straw (about eight inches long)
White glue
Masking tape
Barometer Scale Pattern (p. 3)
Air Pressure Observation Worksheet (p. 4)

State and National

Correlations

Virginia Standards of Learning: Science (4.1, 4.6, 6.6)

15 minutes
30 minutes

National Science Education Standards: Use equipment and tools to gather

data; use data to construct explanations, patterns of weather changes, and
quantities for describing weather.
Instructional
Strategies

Model Explanation:
1. Construct an example of the barometer ahead of time.
Using scissors, cut off the mouthpiece of the balloon.
Stretch the balloon tautly over the open rim of the can and secure with the
rubber band.
Place the can inside the can hugger.
Use a small amount of white glue on the center of the stretched balloon to
secure the straw or wooden splint. The straw or splint will serve as the
pointer.

Making a Barometer
Weather Watchers

http://mathinscience.info

 Set up the Barometer Scale Pattern beside the barometer so that pointer is
in the middle of the scale.
2. Explain to students that changes in the air pressure over time often indicate
changes in the weather. Multiple daily observations of air pressure enable
meteorologists to make accurate weather predictions.
High and steady air pressure usually indicates fair weather.
Lowering air pressure usually indicates that a change in the weather is on
the way, maybe even a storm.
3. Explain the barometer mechanism and show students how to record data on
the Air Pressure Observation Worksheet after observing the pointers
position on the scale.
The can hugger serves to insulate the can to minimize the expansion and
contraction of the air inside the can, which can affect the air pressure
readings.
Place the barometer out of direct sunlight and away from heating sources
for the same reasons.
The barometers pointer will move up or down as the air pressure increases or decreases against the stretched balloon.
Use arrows to indicate air pressure changes on the worksheet and record
weather observations each day for one week.
Assessment

Student model construction:

1. Distribute the materials for the construction of the barometer.
2. Assist students with the construction as needed.
3. Allow the glued straw or splint to dry overnight before using the barometer.
4. Students may take the barometer home in order to make daily observations
for one week.

h
g
i
H

Assess student learning by combinations of the following:

Student completes and returns the Air Pressure Observation Worksheet
including a written summary of the data collected from the barometer.
Go to http://rubistar.4teachers.org/rubistar/ to construct a rubric to assess
student models or data collection.
Air pressure assessment questions found in Dominion Weather Center
Lesson Plan.

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Low

Making a Barometer
Weather Watchers

http://mathinscience.info

High
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Making a Barometer
Weather Watchers

Flold Back

Flold Back

Low
3

http://mathinscience.info

Air Pressure Observation Worksheet

Use the following symbols to indicate changes in the air pressure reading:
Air Pressure decreased

Morning
Reading

Date

Air Pressure unchanged

Noon
Reading

Air Pressure increased

Afternoon
Reading

Weather Observations

Conclusions:
Did the change in the air pressure affect the weather during the week?
Explain your answer.
Making a Barometer
Weather Watchers

http://mathinscience.info