As we are seeing this weekend, April tends to be VERY rainy… But don’t worry, we’ll be rewarded with beautiful blooms next month! As we wait for nature to “do it’s thing,” this rainy weekend is the perfect opportunity for a simple STEAM activity! You and your future meteorologist can track how much rain is falling when you make a Rain Gauge!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A medium to large clear and smooth plastic bottle
- Scissors
- Tape
- A marker
- Water
First, take the label and lid off of your bottle. Then, very carefully, cut the top portion (about 1/3) off of the bottle and set it aside for later. Since most bottles aren’t flat on the bottom, add a little bit of water to the bottom of your bottle until there is a flat surface from which to start measuring the rainfall.
Now, take a strip of tape and place it lengthwise on the side of your bottle. Using a ruler, and starting from the top of the water you poured in, mark off each inch on your tape going up the bottle. Then, place the top portion of your bottle back in your rain gauge upside down to act as a funnel for the rainwater, and secure it with tape.
Place your rain gauge outside, away from trees, your roof, or anything else that could block the rain from falling into your bottle. Make sure to bury it in the ground a bit so that it doesn’t blow over. Now, wait for the rain, and check back to see how much falls in your area!
Watch a full demonstration of the project from NBC Connecticut below:
As always, be as creative as you want, and above all, have lots of fun learning together!
We’ll see you right back here next Saturday for another STEAM Saturday activity! Scroll through the rest of our website to learn how Critchlow Adkins is Building Brighter Futures for the children and families we serve!
