Teacher’s page
LAB NOTES:
1.
If you use plastic wrap, have the students be careful not to tear it.
2. Stress that the balloon needs to be stretched as tightly as possible over the mouth of the
can or jar.
3. When the air pressure is greater outside the can, the air will press down on the plastic wrap
causing the straw to point up.
4. When the air pressure is greater inside the can, the air inside the can will push up on balloon
or plastic wrap and the straw will point downward.
5. Have the students record their barometric pressure daily, inside and outside each day
for 1-2 weeks.
EXTENSIONS:
1.
To demonstrate that temperature will affect the reading on the barometer, place the
barometer in a pan of hot water and record what happens.
2. Have one student or group of students place their barometer in the direct sunlight. Ask
your students compare this data and determine if the direct sunlight caused an inaccurate
reading of atmospheric air pressure.
3. Have your students write a short report about how they think pressure on their barometer
would change from beginning to end if the eye of a hurricane passed right over your school.
4. As a homework assignment, have your students draw a diagram about the relationship
between temperature and pressure. They can find plenty of information online.
Source: Revised from an existing activity by Margaret Eidson (Olsen).
References:
“Barometer,” MicrosoftÒ EncartaÒ Online Encyclopedia 2005
http://encarta.msn.com Ó 1997-2005 Microsoft Corporation.
“Torcelli, Evangelista,” MicrosoftÒ EncartaÒ Online Encyclopedia 2005
http://encarta.msn.com Ó 1997-2005 Microsoft Corporation.
Eidson, Margaret. Earthy Things. Idea Factory, Inc., Riverview, FL. 1990. pg 158-
160.
Helpful web resources:
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbarometer.htm
http://www.quicksilver-barometers.co.uk/barometer%20info.html
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pman.html#atm
http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/archive/air_pressure/index.html
