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Build a Mini Rain Gauge
A proper piece of practical science: build a rain gauge, place it thoughtfully, and record what falls over a week. Measurement, data and weather all in one.
Ages
7-9, 9-11
Level
Lower KS2, Upper KS2
Subject
Science
Duration
30 min
What you'll need
- Clear plastic bottle
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Waterproof pen
- Small stones
What the learner will explore
- Measuring in millimetres
- Fair testing
- Recording and reading data
How to do it
- 1
Cut the top from the bottle and invert it to make a funnel.
- 2
Add stones for stability and mark a scale in millimetres.
- 3
Place it away from walls and trees.
- 4
Record the rainfall each day for a week on the printed chart.
Make it easier
Measure with 'none / a little / lots' rather than millimetres.
Make it harder
Compare your readings to a local forecast and explain differences.
Try it differently
Add a wind sock or cloud diary and build a small weather station.
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