Make a rain gauge with your kids

We’ve already seen quite a bit of rain this morning, and more is expected this week. This simple project can be done with simple things around the house.

>> Make a cloud in a jar with your kids 

YOU NEED...

• A plastic bottle like one for sparkling water, water or soda
• A permanent marker
• A ruler
• Some pebbles or gravel
• A Popsicle stick (if you have one)
• Some tape
• Some water

>> #SkyWitness7 is here...and everything astronomy

First carefully cut the water bottle about 1/4 to 1/2 of the way down (the area where it gets wide) so it become two pieces.

Second, fill the bottle with pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the bottle and add some water to cover the bottle of the bottle.

Third, take your ruler and where the water line is, use that as your "zero" mark. Use the ruler to then mark every 1/2" on the bottle with a marker.

Once your bottle is labeled, take the top that you cut off and turn it upside down, pushing it into the bottle. It will act like a funnel. You may need to take it.

Finally, tape a stick from outside or a Popsicle stick to the bottle so you can use it as a stake to keep it from blowing away in your yard.

Make sure your rain gauge is secure in the grass where there is open sky and no trees in the way.

Each day check how much rain has fallen. Don't forget to make down how much and pour the water out. When you want to measure again, fill it back up to the zero line and you are good to go!

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