Barometer Study: An Introduction to Pressure
Barometric (or atmospheric) pressure is one of the measurements that weather forecasters monitor to help predict the weather. Rising barometric pressure usually indicates that fair, dry weather is coming. Dropping barometric pressure usually precedes clouds and precipitation.
In this experiment, your students will monitor the pressure and temperature over a 5-day period. They will keep track of pressure and temperature readings from an indoor and outdoor environment. They will then relate temperature and pressure together and compare the environments with each other. Students may make a graphical representation of their data, but this is not required. Multiple classes may combine their data into one master sheet, allowing students to obtain more data throughout the week.
PRODUCT INFO
This U-PIK will include enough materials for five student groups. Suggested group size is 4-5 students. The U-PIK will include the following:
- 5 barometers
- 5 temperature probes
- 5 LabQuest 2 interfaces
WHEN TO INTEGRATE?
The barometer can be easily used to support the concept of pressure at the fundamental level. This experiment can be included when first discussing pressure and how it relates to weather.
No mathematical calculations are required for this experiment. Students may generate a graphical representaton of their data using Excel or a hand-drawn graph, however, this is not a requirement of the procedure. Due to its introductory nature, the laboratory can be introduced in a middle school science classroom.
Since students are only recording pressure and temperature, this laboratory objective can be accomplished while students work on other assignments.
Time: Five days (suggested).
Student Level:
BEGINNER (Grades 5-8)
Barometer User Manual
Lab Experiment: Preview Document