The following activity sheets will give your students practice in reading simple barometer scale measurements.

Barometers are devices that are used to measure atmospheric pressure. Meteorologists employ barometers to measure the changes in the weather. If the atmospheric pressure is low, it can be an indicator of an imminent storm. Also, atmospheric pressure varies with the distance from the sea level, so a barometer can also be used to find out the altitude. There are two types of a barometer, namely, mercury barometer and aneroid barometer. These two works differently to help determine the atmospheric pressure. Mercury Barometer - A mercury barometer features a glass column with calibration in inches. One end of the glass column is sealed while the other end is open. This open end is dipped in a small container of mercury, defined as the cistern. The mercury runs through the glass column. Aneroid Barometer - Unlike mercury barometer, aneroid barometer doesn't come with any kind of fluid. It features a flexible and small box, which is known as the aneroid capsule. This aneroid capsule is made up of an alloy of copper and beryllium. The metal box is made sealed, enabling the atmospheric pressure to contract and expand the springs and levers within the box.

The barometer was actually a product of an experiment that was trying to prove that natural vacuums were real. This led us to learn more about atmospheric pressure. This why barometric and atmospheric pressure are one in the same. When I explain this concept to students I always start with explaining the pressure of water that a submarine experiences as it dives. The deeper the sub goes, the more water that is over top of it, pushing down on it. Once kids grasp that, I quickly transition to atmospheric pressure. Just switch air and various gases with the water medium and there you have it. Your students will use these worksheets to practice reading barometer measurements. Scales are presented as tic marks between whole numbers, and answers will include decimals. Answers should be presented "in Hg."



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Reading Barometers Worksheets

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Barometer Measurements Worksheet

Students will practice reading a barometer. Nine problems are provided.

Barometer Practice

Students will read a series of different barometers and write the measures that they are reading. Nine problems are provided.

Barometer Skill Drill

What measurement do you read off of each barometer? Nine problems are provided.