Aneroid Balloon Membrane Barometer Weather Predictor

30 mins Ages 6-11 Indoor

An engaging, screen-free learning activity that builds real-world creativity and critical thinking for kids aged 6 to 11.

Materials Needed

  • • Wide-mouth glass canning jar (1 unit)
  • • Large 12-inch latex balloon (cut) (1 unit)
  • • Heavy rubber bands (2 units)
  • • Straight drinking straw and toothpick (1 unit each)
  • • Index card, tape, and fine-line pen (1 set)

Pro Tips

  • → Stretch a cut balloon skin tightly across the open mouth of a glass jar and seal it with a rubber band to trap an airtight chamber.
  • → Glue the end of a drinking straw to the center of the rubber: high atmospheric pressure pushes the balloon down, pivoting the straw tip upward.
  • → Low atmospheric pressure (stormy weather) allows trapped air to expand, pushing the straw pointer down.

Safety First

Ensure glass jar is placed on a stable shelf where it will not be knocked over.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Step 1

Cut the neck off a latex balloon and stretch the rubber sheet tightly over the mouth of a glass jar.

2

Step 2

Secure the balloon rim with two tight rubber bands to ensure an airtight hermetic seal.

3

Step 3

Tape one end of a drinking straw to the center of the balloon skin, taping a toothpick pointer to the far tip.

4

Step 4

Tape an index card behind the jar and mark the pointer level daily, recording "Fair" (high) or "Stormy" (low).

What they are learning

Barometric atmospheric pressure fluctuation Diaphragm mechanical deflection indicators Meteorological high vs. low pressure weather forecasting