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How Do You Measure Precipitation?

Though precipitation is often tracked using sophisticated technology such as weather satellites and radar, the simple rain gauge is still in use as a device to measure rain and snowfall. Whether you are a casual gardener, a weather watcher or a parent looking for a way to occupy your children with an instructional science project, you can learn to measure precipitation by making your own rain gauge in a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

Wide-mouth, clear glass jar
Ruler or self-adhesive ruler
Masking tape or adhesive tape
Transparent tape
Waterproof pen or marker
Funnel
Notebook
Spreadsheet software
Computer

Instructions

- 1
  Wash out your jar and dry it thoroughly, especially if recycling a container from your kitchen, pantry or garage. Remove the label (including sticky adhesive residue) and the lid. Use your ruler and waterproof pen to mark a strip of masking or adhesive tape into inches, 1/2 inches and 1/4 inches. Attach your ruled tape to the outside of the jar and cover it with a layer of transparent tape to secure and protect it. Or attach a strip of self-adhesive ruler to the jar and protect it with the transparent tape. The rule should run from the very bottom of the jar to the top.
- 2
  Place your funnel over the mouth of the jar. Make sure the funnel is wide enough to fit completely over the opening so there are no gaps.
- 3
  Place the container outside in a space away from hanging rooftops, shrubs and trees and where it will not be knocked over.
- 4
  Check the container daily. Measure the level of moisture collected in the jar against the ruled markings and record your findings in your notebook.
- 5
  Type the data you collected into a spreadsheet after you have tracked precipitation for a week. The spreadsheet will allow you to create charts from your data and provide you with a visual display of your findings.

Nature