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| Meteorologists study the weather by recording
and analyzing data. You can become an amateur meteorologist
by building your own weather station and keeping a record of
your measurements. After a while, you'll notice the weather
patterns that allow meteorologists to forecast the weather. |
| Since weather happens outside, you'll need to
construct your weather station inside of a weatherproof
box. Find a sturdy plastic or wooden box that can be
placed on its side. Before you take the box outside, attach
a thermometer to the bottom of the box. Once you turn
the box on its side, the thermometer will be in the back of
the box, protected from direct weather conditions. |
| Take your box outside and find a safe, sturdy
location on the north side of the building where it's
shadiest. Position the box securely beside the building,
perhaps on a brick foundation. |
- Keep Your Own
Weather Journal
- Every meteorologist needs to keep a good
weather journal. Remember, good observations make good
forecasts.
- Make Your
Own Barometer
- Since barometers are very sensitive to
minor changes in weather conditions, you'll want to keep the
barometer indoors to get more accurate readings.
- Make Your
Own Hygrometer
- Place your hygrometer outdoors, inside
your weatherproof weather station box. The hygrometer will
measure the amount of moisture in the air, or humidity.
- Make Your
Own Rain Gauge
- Your rain gauge needs to be kept outdoors, but
not inside the weatherproof box. If it's possible, though,
you may want to keep them near each other to make it easier
to record your data.
- Make Your
Own Weather Vane
- A weather vane is also know as a wind direction
indicator. The vane points in the direction from which the wind blows.
- Make Your
Own Compass
- To record your weather data, you'll need a compass. You can make your
own using only a stick, a few stones, and the sun.
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