Making a Barometer

In some science experiments you will be making a barometer. Have you ever wondered how to make a barometer? Making a barometer is easier than it sounds. This section of Science Experiments website will tell you how to make a simple barometer. You will learn about making a barometer.

What is a barometer?

A barometer is an instrument that measures pressure such as atmospheric pressure or air pressure. The two most common barometers are the mercury barometers and the aneroid barometers.

Air pressure barometers

Air pressure is measured by barometers. When air pressure rises, it is usually a sign that the weather is going to improve. Air pressure falls when bad weather is approaching.

Equipment for making a barometer

• A tall, narrow, clear plastic bottle,
• a bowl of water,
• paper,
• sticky tape,
• ruler,
• string,
• modeling clay.

Method of making a barometer

1. Put a piece of modeling clay on one side of the bowl and use it to hold the ruler upright.
2. Fill the bowl with about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of water and fill the bottle three-fourths full of water.
3. Cover the opening of the bottle with the palm of your hand.
4. Turn the bottle carefully upside down and put the opening under the surface of the water in the dish.
5. Take your hand away from the opening but keep the bottle upright with your other hand.
6. Tie the bottle to the ruler with the string.
7. Mark a piece of paper with a scale and stick it onto the bottle. Make a note of the water level and keep a record of how the level changes from day to day.

Explanation of how to make a barometer science experiment

Air presses down on the surface of the water in the bowl. If the air pressure (the pushing power of the air) rises, more water is pushed into the bottle and the level on the scale will go up slightly. If the air pressure falls, the opposite happens.

Making a Barometer & How to make a barometer science experiment