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Science Launch G3 / Week 10 / Wednesday
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Week 10 · Weather by the Numbers

Wednesday

Build a rain gauge
// Measuring weather and finding patterns
⏱ about 15 min

Wednesday: Build a Rain Gauge

Rocket sets an empty bowl in the yard before a storm. The next day, it is half full. "How much rain is that?" he asks.

Raven tips the bowl. "What do you notice about the sides? They curve."

Nova hovers over a tall jar. "Straight sides make measuring fair," she says.

Your investigation

You will build a rain gauge and measure the rain where you live.

  • A clear plastic container with straight sides from top to bottom
  • A strip of paper
  • A ruler
  • Clear tape
  • A pencil
Safety first
Use a plastic container, not glass.
Go outside only when a grown-up says it is safe. Stay in during thunder or lightning.
Never drink the rainwater.
  1. Lay the paper strip next to the ruler. Copy the inch marks onto the paper.
  2. Line up the bottom of the paper with the bottom of the container.
  3. Tape the paper scale to the container.
  4. Cover the whole paper with tape so it stays dry.
  5. Set the gauge outside in an open spot, away from trees and buildings.
  6. After it rains, read the water level. Then empty the gauge.
MAKE A PREDICTION
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Where is the best place to put a rain gauge?
Why should you read the gauge soon after the rain stops?
DateRain (inches)Notes
Rain gauge tipIs it a good rule?
Use a container with straight sides?
Put the gauge under a tree?
Empty the gauge after each reading?
Wait a week to read it?
WHY THIS EXERCISEStraight sides, an open spot and quick reading keep the numbers fair.

Reading your gauge

Look at the water level against your paper scale.

Read the mark at the top of the water. Keep your eyes level with it.

Write the number, then empty the gauge so it is ready for next time.

GAUGE THINKING
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
The water reaches the 1 inch mark. How much rain fell?
Why do we empty the gauge after each reading?
Should a rain gauge have curved or straight sides? Type one word.
WHY THIS EXERCISEStraight sides make the water level match the scale fairly.

Your weather station is open for business! Tomorrow we look at weather across a whole year.

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