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We've had a week of rain, and it's been fun for us to use this homemade rain gauge to see exactly what we've received. My second grader has enjoyed tallying the daily measurements while my preschooler takes his role very seriously as the gauge checker--ensuring that it hasn't tipped over in the latest storm. This simple weather-study tool is a cinch to make, with minimal adult supervision. It's a great supplement to any school-related weather lessons or just to educate your children on the importance of rain.

What you need:

2-liter pop bottle (empty, clear, and clean)
Knife
Duct tape
Water
Waterproof marker
Ruler

What you do:

1. Using a knife, AN ADULT ONLY should cut off the top of the pop bottle. The cut should be done just where the slope starts. Cut all the way around until the top of the pop bottle can be removed.
2. Place the cut-off bottle top down into the bottom so it creates a sort of funnel. Now, tape around the edges where the two bottle parts meet.
3. Place some water at the bottom of the bottle. It should be filled just past the bumpy bottom legs of the bottle. The top of the water will be your base point.
4. Mark the top of the water line as ZERO INCHES with the marker.
5. Use the ruler to mark half inches and inches on the bottle's sides.
6. Place the rain gauge in an open place and await the wet weather. Set a certain time period for tracking, such as a week or two weeks.

TIPS

• Have children make a graph based on the findings.
• Ask rain questions and discuss (Why do we need rain? What happens if all rain stopped?)
• Make predictions for the next week based on the results for the previous week.

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