Varsity Tutors: Catching the Weather

Are you ready to tackle one of the most massive and dynamic mysteries on the planet, the weather?

Join the Science History Institute for an exciting exploration of past and present attempts to capture this elusive concept. From leeches on telegraph wires to ghostly balloons, humanity has devised some wild and creative ways to get a handle on the weather. We’ll delve into Thomas Jefferson’s weather logs and meet the courageous pilots and meteorologists who brave the worst weather conditions to gather critical data. So buckle up and get ready for a weather adventure!

Students have the option to build their own barometer with the following materials:

• an empty tin can a glass jar such as a Mason jar
• one or two uninflated rubber balloons
• one thick rubber band
• coffee stirrer or plastic drinking straw (the thinner the better)
• one paper clip
• glue or scotch tape
• ruler with metric measurements
• blank sheet of paper
• pen or pencil
• scissors

About Your Expert Instructor

Roger Turner is the curator for instruments and artifacts at the Science History Institute in Philadelphia and author of the blog Picturing Meteorology. He’s pretty good at reading The Book with No Pictures out loud, at least according to his kids’ friends.
 

About Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors is a live-learning platform that seamlessly connects learners to experts in more than 3,000 subjects. Since 2007, the company has been investing in online learning technology and built new-to-the-world capabilities, while assembling some of the most talented tutors, educators, and instructors across the U.S. to help deliver that mission. Through one-on-one instruction, small group classes, large-format group classes, and adaptive self-study, Varsity Tutors has created a live-learning destination to meet the needs of all students.