How to Make a Rain Gauge and Track the Weather with Your Family

Learn to build a simple rain gauge at home and start tracking rainfall with your kids using everyday materials.

  1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need a clear, straight-sided container like a mason jar or plastic water bottle (cut the top off if using a bottle), a ruler or measuring tape, permanent marker, masking tape, and a notebook or chart for recording data. The container should have straight sides so water depth accurately reflects rainfall amounts. Avoid containers that curve inward or outward.
  2. Build Your Rain Gauge. Place a strip of masking tape vertically along the outside of your container from bottom to top. Use your ruler to mark measurement lines on the tape, starting from the bottom. Mark every quarter-inch or half-inch, depending on your child's age and math skills. Write the numbers clearly with permanent marker. If using a water bottle, make sure the opening is wide enough to catch rain effectively.
  3. Set Up Your Weather Station. Choose a spot in your yard that's away from trees, buildings, or anything that might block rain or cause runoff into your gauge. The area should be level and open to the sky. Place your rain gauge on a stable, flat surface or secure it so it won't tip over in wind. Some families use a small stake or weight to keep it steady.
  4. Record Daily Measurements. Check your rain gauge at the same time each day, preferably in the morning. Read the water level against your marked tape and record the amount in your weather notebook. Include the date, time, and any weather observations like 'light drizzle' or 'heavy thunderstorm.' After recording, empty the gauge completely and return it to its spot. This gives you a fresh start for the next 24-hour period.
  5. Track Patterns and Compare Data. After collecting data for several weeks, look for patterns together. Which days had the most rain? How much rain fell this month compared to last month? You can compare your measurements to local weather reports to see how accurate your gauge is. Create simple charts or graphs to visualize the data - kids love seeing their measurements turn into colorful bar graphs.