What could be a better way to make a rainy day go by faster than to 
become your very own weather reporter? Say the forecast calls for 
2 inches of rain – children may wonder how we know if those 2 inches fell or not. Explain to them what rain gauges are by making this really easy 
rain gauge of your own. You’re sure to have fun tracking the measurements!

Materials

√ 
16-20 oz. clear or semi-clear plastic 
soda bottle

√ 
Duct tape 
(weather-proof)

√ A rainy day

√ Ruler

√ 
Permanent marker

√ Scissors

Instructions

Remove label and wash the soda bottle. Cut the top off the bottle about 2 inches down. Turn the top upside down into the bottle, making a funnel for the rain to travel into the gauge. Use the duct tape to secure the top inside the bottle.

Take the ruler and mark every inch on the bottle starting from the bottom. 
Number each inch mark with a permanent marker.

Place the rain gauge outside on a firm surface at the beginning of the rain and 
check it when it stops. *

Holly Harrison is a regular contributor to this magazine. Address comments, questions or craft suggestions to editor@lowcountryparent.com.