Fun with Science Friday: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

With the massive winter storm sweeping the nation, we felt today’s featured item for Fun with Science Friday should have something to do with the science of weather – so we chose the barometer. 

Since the late 19^th century, barometric pressure and measurements of the change of pressure over time, or pressure tendency, have been used to forecast the weather. A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. The mercury barometer was invented in 1643 by Evangelista Torricelli, an Italian physicist and mathematician. Today, air or water may also be used in barometers to measure the pressure exerted by the atmosphere and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Want a fun project? Click here to find out how to make a simple weather barometer of your own.

To have some real fun in all this snow? Try one of these delicious snow recipes:

Chocolate Snow Ice Cream

1 gallon snow

½ cup white sugar

2 cups chocolate milk

Directions: Place a large, clean bowl outside to collect snow as it falls. When the bowl is full, stir in sugar. Gradually stir in chocolate milk until you have your desired consistency. Serve and eat immediately.

Snow Candy

1 cup real maple syrup

¼ cup salted butter

Fresh, clean snow

Directions: In a medium saucepan, heat the syrup and butter over medium-high heat and stir. Once the mixture starts to boil, continue heating and stirring for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Pour over snow. It will cool very quickly, so pick it up and enjoy!

Snow Cream

3 cups of clean snow

½ cup whipping cream

1 tablespoon sugar

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: In a separate bowl, mix cream, sugar and vanilla. Gradually add snow until you have your desired consistency. Serve and eat.

Article by:  Alisha K. Ard