Constructing a Rain Gauge

Materials

  • Clear plastic ruler
  • Cylinder shaped clear jar (e.g. an olive jar)
  • Rubber band
  • Funnel  (with the same diameter as the BASE of the jar. The funnel
    will help prevent evaporation and in case the diameter of the mouth of
    jar is  smaller than that of the base. If the diameter of the mouth of
    the jar is the 'exact' same size as the diameter of the base, then a
    funnel is not necessary).
  • Transparent tape


Procedure

  •  Remove the jar's label.
  •  Attach the ruler to the outside of the jar with the rubber band; make sure that the bottom edge of the ruler is even with the bottom of the jar. Or secure the ruler inside the jar so it is standing vertically with the end at the base of the jar/bottle. Tape the ruler in place so the numbers can be read from the outside of the jar/bottle.


Note:  As an alternative to a ruler, you can use a permanent marker to mark the inches/centimeters on clear tape affixed vertically to the outside of the jar/bottle beginning at the base to the outside of the jar/bottle. Cover the marks with a second piece of clear waterproof tape.


Directions for use 

  •  Put the funnel in the jar.
  •  Put the jar out in the rain.
  •  Read the ruler to determine how much rain was collected.
  •  Empty the jar after each use.