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A Kid's Guide to Making a Rain Gauge

Measuring rainfall is something that kids can easily do with a few simple items. To make a rain gauge, you will need an old water or soda bottle, a large wooden spoon or stick, a permanent marker, and some stones.

Making A Water Collector
- Take the empty, large water or soda bottle and cut off the top part of the bottle just underneath where it tapers inwards. Place the water collector in the garden in an open area and place large stones or pebbles around the base to stop the collector from falling over.
Making The Rain Gauge
- Find a long wooden spoon or stick and get a tape measure or ruler and mark out on the spoon handle with permanent ink measurement in inches. Make sure you start at the bottom and go upwards so that you get a correct reading.
Measuring Rainfall
- Wait for it to rain, and when it has stopped place your spoon handle down into the water collector. Pull it out and you will be able to read the water level from where the spoon handle is wet. You have now made a rain gauge. Keep a chart to record rainfall in your area. This could make a useful school project.

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