Weather Instruments – measuring rain, wind, and the temperature! By: Matt Hoffman 2nd grade Accawmacke Elementary Weather vane What is the name of a simple device that lets us know which way the wind is blowing? Weather vanes • Measure wind speed (how strong the wind is) • Faster it spins, the stronger the wind! Older weather vanes Could only show which way the wind was blowing Weather vanes for decoration! A different kind of weather vane • They call it a “wind sock”! • Found at airports quite often • Mostly for telling wind direction • Can tell if the wind is strong or weak, but can not give the exact speed Wind socks! • They are also used for decoration, like weather vanes Thermometer What is the name of the device that is used to measure temperature? Thermometer • Measures temperature • Degrees Fahrenheit (32-212) • Degrees Celcius (0100) Thermometers • Colored alcohol in them • Rises when it heats up, goes down when it gets cold Different than thermometers doctors use… • Both measure temperature! • Their thermometer is much more sensitive Worlds tallest thermometer! • 134 feet high • In southern California – the hottest temp. it ever measured was 134 degrees! Rain gauge • Measures how much rain fell • Like a ruler attached to a big, clear cup! • Can tell if it may flood soon • Farmers need to know how the soil is (too wet or too dry) What the rain gauge is for… • Can tell if it may flood soon • Farmers need to know how the soil is (too wet or too dry) • People need to know when to water their plants • Too much rain causes erosion Weather balloon What is the name of the device that is sent high into the atmosphere to measure temperature, wind speed, air pressure, and other things? Weather Instruments and what they measure • • • • Weather vane – wind speed and direction Wind sock – wind direction Thermometer – air temperature Rain Gauge – amount of rain that fell