How to Make a Rain Gauge for Spring
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Making a Rain Gauge
I always try to incorporate hands-on learning as much as possible because I know this is how children learn the best. A few weeks ago my children and I were talking about the spring rain season and why it’s so important.
We decided this spring to track our rainfall for April. If you have one of our free nature calendars, you will be prompted to do the same thing at your home.
Children like to take part in creating the rain gauge… so much learning happens when we are creative.
This is very easy to make. You need:
- A 2-liter clear bottle
- A marker for writing out the measurements
- A few rocks for the weight ( children will enjoy a rock hunt!)
- Scissors or something sharp to cut the bottle in half (adults only, the plastic can be very sharp)
- Cut the top part of your bottle off.
2. Fill the bottom of your bottle with a layer of rocks. This adds weight to your rain gauge. Of course, my little ones loved putting the rocks inside!
3. Use a measuring tape or ruler to make measurement increments on your bottle starting about 2″ from the bottom. The first increment should be “0”. Add water to the “0” mark to keep your gauge accurate.
4. Turn the bottle top upside down, and fit it into your gauge. This will act like a funnel to collect the rain.
5. Put your rain gauge outside to collect the rain from the next rainfall, and measure the amount. Record in your nature notebook.
As our family has embraced a seasonal and simple lifestyle, we look forward to simple things like measuring rain. This activity is something I didn’t have time for when my life was busy and I was trying to live the “American dream”. In reality, I found so much peace in slowing down and enjoying our more simple life. We’ve had to adjust our lifestyle, but it’s all been worth it!
Our Spring Seasonal Bundle is full of Spring Ideas to do with your children!
Including a study on Earthworms that would go wonderfully with this rain study!
