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Air Pressure and Homemade Barometers

The document outlines a project for middle to high school students on constructing homemade barometers to measure atmospheric pressure and predict weather changes. It includes a scientific background, a research question, a hypothesis, a list of materials, a step-by-step procedure, and data analysis methods. Extensions for further experimentation and learning are also suggested.

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344 views2 pages

Air Pressure and Homemade Barometers

The document outlines a project for middle to high school students on constructing homemade barometers to measure atmospheric pressure and predict weather changes. It includes a scientific background, a research question, a hypothesis, a list of materials, a step-by-step procedure, and data analysis methods. Extensions for further experimentation and learning are also suggested.

Uploaded by

emmanuellaunoma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Project 8: Air Pressure and Homemade Barometers

Field: Meteorology / Physics


Skill Level: Middle to High School

Scientific Background:

Atmospheric pressure changes due to altitude, weather systems, and


temperature. A barometer is a device that measures air pressure, and
observing its fluctuation can help predict weather changes. Simple
barometers can be constructed at home using everyday materials and
provide surprisingly accurate readings over time.

Research Question:

Can a homemade barometer reliably detect changes in atmospheric


pressure and be used to predict short-term weather changes?

Hypothesis:

A simple barometer using a balloon membrane and straw indicator can


reflect pressure changes by rising or falling with daily atmospheric
fluctuations.

Materials Needed:

• Glass jar or cup


• Balloon
• Rubber band
• Straw
• Tape
• Index card (for scale)
• Ruler
• Pen or marker
• Weather log (or weather app for comparison)

Procedure:

1. Cut the balloon and stretch it tightly over the mouth of the jar.
2. Secure with a rubber band to form an airtight seal.
3. Tape one end of a straw to the center of the balloon top — it should
stick out as an indicator.
4. Position the barometer so the straw points to an index card
mounted nearby.
5. Mark the straw’s position daily and correlate with actual weather
pressure readings.
6. Track for 1–2 weeks to observe trends and accuracy.

Data Analysis:

Chart straw movement daily alongside local barometric pressure and


weather forecasts. Evaluate how well the device anticipates changes in
weather (e.g., straw rising = fair weather, falling = approaching storm).

Extensions:

• Build multiple barometers and test in different rooms or outdoor


environments.
• Add a thermometer and humidity sensor for a complete weather
station.
• Study historical use of barometers in early navigation and science.

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