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Réalisation - Thermometer and monitoring board

  • This project is in two parts

  • Etape 1

    We propose to build first a very simple thermometer. It doesn't make very reliable measurements but is a good way to understand how a standard thermometer works.

     

    As a second step, measurents may be carried out with a more accurate household thermometer. These measurements will be reported on a monitoring panel (described further).


  • A. Construction of the thermometer

  • Etape 2

    With a punch, make a hole in the center of the jar lid until you get a hole  matching exactly the diameter of the straw.


  • Etape 3

    Screw the lid back on and insert the straw through the hole in the center of the jar.

     

    With hot glue, seal the edge of the hole around the straw.

     

    Once the glue has harden, proceed in the same way on the inside of the lid.

     

    Avertissement Straws tend to bend a bit because of the heat of the thermal glue. Keep them straight until the glue has harden.

     



  • Etape 4

    Unscrew the lid and fill 3/4 of the jar with water.

     

    Add a few drops of food colouring (e.g., red) and mix the liquid.

     

    Firmly screw the lid back on.



  • Etape 5

    Check if the lid is well fastened.

     

    Blow into the straw and then release the pressure.

     

    Coloured water should move up in the straw.

     

    Avertissement If air escapes through the edge of the hole when you blow in the straw, it means that your thermometer is not sealed properly. Add some hot glue and test again.

     



  • Etape 6

    Check if the thermometer works by taking the jar between your hands.

     

    Your body heat will warm the jar and its content and the water level in the straw should rise up.



  • Etape 7

    Calibrate your home made device with a household thermometer.

     

    To mark the scale, slide a sheet of bristol board with 4 notches on the straw.

     

    Mark the temperature indicated by the household thermometer on the bristol at the height of the liquid in the straw.

     

    Move the two thermometers in a place where the temperature is different, and repeat the process. Proceed that way until you get a full scale.

     

    If after a while the level drops, reopen the lid and proceed again from step 1.



  • B. Construction of a monitoring board

  • Etape 8

    Download and photocopy the template. Write down week days and temperatures.


  • Etape 9

    Cover the monitoring A4 sheet with transparent self-adhesive plastic roll.

     

    Fix the monitoring sheet with white glue on a thin cork board.



  • Etape 10

    Glue two picture hooks on the top back of the monitoring panel and connect them with a string.

     

    Fix the "male" velcro at the back of the household thermometer and the "female" velcro where it is indicated on the panel .

     

    Attach two strings to the panel.

     

    - Attach to one string end a whiteboard pen by squeezing the string in the rear cap. Create a small loop and hook the whiteboard pen on a pin.

     

    - Attach the another string end to some cloth to create a wiper.



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