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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Physics » How to make a Barometer

    How to make a Barometer

    September 12, 2022 By Emma Vanstone 5 Comments

    This mini science investigation shows you how to make a DIY barometer to measure air pressure. Air pressure can be used to predict the weather and is one of many factors used by meteorologists.

    What does low or high pressure mean for the weather?

    Low pressure usually means wet, cloudy, rainy weather while high pressure is an indicator of dry and cool weather.

    DIY Barometer

    Barometers are used to measure atmospheric pressure.

    What is atmospheric pressure?

    The Earth has a layer of air surrounding it. This air has weight and presses down the Earth. At higher altitudes the air is thinner so air pressure is lower.

    diagram showing the different in air pressure at different altitudes
    A

    To make a barometer you will need

    Jar or coffee can

    Elastic band

    Pin or cocktail stick

    Tape

    Glue

    Straw

    Paper

    How to make a barometer

    Blow up the balloon a little bit, the more air in the balloon, the greater the pressure outwards which is what makes the balloon blow up.

    Let the air out of the balloon and cut the tie end off.

    Stretch the balloon tightly over the jar or can and either tape or use the elastic band to fix it tightly.

    Tape or glue the end of the straw to the centre of the balloon and tape the pin or cocktail stick to the end.

    Tape some card behind the barometer and mark where the pin is.

    Leave for a few days and note any changes. Record what the weather is like each day and note how it affects the barometer.

    DIY  barometer made with a jar and balloon.

    How does the DIY barometer work?

    Warm air expands and rises, lowering the pressure of the air on the ground below. Cold air is heavier, it sinks and presses down on the ground forming a high pressure area.

    The higher the air pressure the more air presses down on the balloon, pushing it into the jar and making the straw rise.

    More weather activities for kids

    Did you know you can make a weather station using pine cones?

    Find out how movement of hot and cold air causes a sea breeze.

    Find out what shape a raindrop really is.

    Or, try one of my other weather science experiments for kids.

    Science concepts

    air pressure

    atmospheric pressure

    DIY Barometer

    Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. JDaniel4's Mom

      October 18, 2011 at 4:50 pm

      I didn’t realize it would be so easy to make one.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        October 19, 2011 at 8:32 pm

        It was very simple! Let us know if you try it. xx

        Reply
    2. Melissa @imaginationsoup

      October 18, 2011 at 8:01 pm

      Now I need to remember what high / low pressure means . . .

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        October 19, 2011 at 8:33 pm

        🙂 check out out air pressure post with the eggs 🙂

        Reply
    3. maggy, red ted art

      October 20, 2011 at 9:15 am

      Wow. Really that easy? Goes to show that science doesn’t have to be hard to be fun!

      Thanks as always for linking to Kids Get Crafty!

      Maggy

      Reply

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