Project Rain Gauge—How To Make, Use, And Read The Device

If you have always been curious about how the rain gauge works, then, why don't you try experimenting? The job will take simple procedures so you just have to follow through all of it. In the schools, students are always prompted to work on the same project. Now that it may or may not be in connection with your academic subject, you can still expound on this endeavor.

So, are you all set for your project? Just read on below and find out the process that you should follow.

Building Your Rain Gauge

Feel like a child again by working on your Science project. Gather data about the cycle of the weather. Collect the figures in line with the level of rainfall on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis. Take this simple lesson in meteorology. The activity? It is none other than building your own rain gauge!

Step #1. First and foremost, print out and cut out the rain gauge ruler. You can buy this from the local shops or can be downloaded from the Internet. You should check out its preciseness by comparing it with a regular ruler.

Step #2. Cover your paper gauge using the black sticky plastic, clear packing tape, or cellophane. This will make your rain gauge waterproof. Remember not to allow any gaps between the paper and the plastic.

Step #3. Wash the used glass jar or spaghetti sauce jar. Remove the entire label if the jar contains it. It should be left clear. Retain the lid so that evaporation in between the rain showers will be prevented.

Step #4. Position the rain ruler inside the jar. Put zero at the bottom part of the ruler. A ruler inside it will heighten the preciseness of the results.

Step #5. Secure your ruler by using the clear adhesive tape at the top and at the bottom. The packing style tape is best to use. Never make the mistake of using the thin and cheap tape or it will peel off whenever it gets wet.

Step #6. Position your rain gauge in an area outside your home wherein no pets or children can get hold of it. If it is possible, mount it on your rooftop. At any rate, be sure that there is a solid foundation so that it will not topple over.

Step #7. Finally, remove the lid and await the rainy days. Check your instrument on a day to day basis to be sure that no debris, leaves, or insects have gotten inside that may affect the accuracy of the results.

Reading the Rain Gauge

Your project doesn't end in the construction of your personalized instrument. You should know how to read the data that it displays! Here's how to do it properly.

Step #1. Be sure that your rain gauge is empty prior to the start of the rainfall. It will be best to empty the jar or cylinder every after taking the measurement so that you will not be confused.

Step #2. Lift the device to your eye level. Whatever direction you take it, be sure that it is within eye level every time you take the reading.

Step #3. Always record the height of the rainwater. The surface may appear to be a bit curved since the surface tension normally goes to the side of the container. We call it the meniscus. Hence, read the height of the water starting from the meniscus base.

Step #4. Whenever the rain has fallen yet your rain gauge doesn't contain any of it, be sure to put "a trace of precipitation fell" in your record.

Step #5. Be sure to empty your rain gauge after taking the measurement.

Take note of these steps and enjoy the output of your rain gauge project!