Teacher’s page You can take the Pressure!    Making, using, and understanding a BAROMETER By:  Margaret Olsen, COSEE SE Education Specialist and Katie Greganti, SEACOOS Education and Extension Specialist Grade Level:  6-8 National Standards:  Appendix A State Curriculum Standards:  Appendix B Type of Activity:  Hands-on inquiry Focus Question:  How do scientists use pressure changes to predict the arrival or strengthening of a storm? Objectives:  The students will… 1.   Investigate air pressure 2.  Construct and use a barometer 3.  Investigate changes in barometric pressure over a period of 1-2 weeks.   4.  Predict upcoming weather from barometric pressure data Materials (per group):  For pre-lab demonstration: Plastic baggie Rubber band Cup, drinking glass, can, or jar For barometer construction: Tin can or glass jar Clear plastic wrap or rubber balloon Rubber band File folder or stiff paper Straw Tape Ruler Scissors Key words:  Barometer, atmospheric pressure, barometric pressure