How to Make a Weather Station for Your Child

Meteorology is the study of weather patterns. Meteorologists study the weather by recording data and analyzing it. Kids can become an amateur meteorologist by building a simplistic weather station and recording their own data. After doing this for awhile you'll begin to notice various weather patterns and what they indicate.

Since much of the work will have to be done outside, where the weather is, you'll need a waterproof box. Something plastic is great, like a cooler, or you can cover a box with plastic. Attach an inexpensive thermometer to the bottom of the box. Take the box outside and set it on one side with the thermometer in the back. The box should be put somewhere save and sturdy, on the north side of a building where it will get the most shade. Use a rock or something heavy to hold the box in place.

Keep a weather journal to list your observations so that you will be more capable of making weather predictions and forecasts. Once a day, at least, record the measurements from each of your weather instruments at your weather station you will be building. Your weather station will include a journal, barometer, thermometer, hygrometer, rain gauge, weather vane and compass. Keep the weather chart in neat order so that it's easier to notice weather patterns and certain data.

In your journal make columns down. Draw lines to separate the columns into the following categories: date, time, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, precipitation type, precipitation amount, and wind direction. Each day record something, even if it's "zero", in each column, on each line. For example, if there is no precipitation that day list "none" in the "precipitation type" column.

A barometer is a device that is sensitive to any change in weather conditions. The barometer will stay indoors to get the most accurate readings. To make the barometer you'll need a glass or beaker with straight sides, a twelve-inch ruler, some tape, a foot-long piece of clear plastic tubing, a stick of chewing gum and some water.