Weather Tidbits: How To Make Your Own Thermometer

This edition of Weather Tidbits will be discussing how you can make your own thermometer. The materials needed for this activity include one marked index card, some tape, a clear straw, some clay or play-doh, a clear bottle, and some food coloring. When marking the index card, make sure to use an actual thermometer as a reference to mark the temperature for accuracy. Fill the bottle with about 80% water and mix in the food coloring. Make sure not to fill the bottle completely. Place the straw in the bottle so it goes 1/2 to 3/4 of the way down the bottle. Use the clay or play-doh to seal the top of the bottle and hold the straw in place. Then tape the index card onto the top of the straw. Your thermometer should now be set up! As the temperature rises, the liquid will move up the straw and vise verse.