How To Make An Altimeter

If you want a simple way to measure altitude to show how air pressure can reflect height, but do not want to go to the considerable expense of buying a real altimeter, you can make your own. With just a few items, many of which you will have around the house, you can make a functioning altimeter that won't be accurate enough for aeronautical use, but it can measurably demonstrate height.

Step 1

Make a hole in the orange juice container's lid just large enough to fit the clear plastic tubing through.

Step 2

Push the plastic tube through the hole so that about six inches of the tube extends through the bottom of the lid; place epoxy glue to seal around where the tube enters the lid to make an air tight seal.

Step 3

Screw the cap back onto the orange juice container and bend the plastic tubing as shown in the diagram.

Step 4

Attach a 3x5-inch index card, using rubber cement, onto the front of the orange juice container behind the bottom of the plastic tube.

Step 5

Color 1/4th cup of water with enough red food coloring to make the water bright red.

Step 6

Tape the bottom of the plastic tube to the orange juice container on each side of the 3x5 card.

Step 7

Use the eyedropper to put enough drops of red water into the end of the tube to make an airtight seal inside the tube.

Step 8

Place your new altimeter on a tray and carry it to the lowest point in your house or building. Make a mark on the 3x5 index card to show the water line.

Step 9

Go to the highest place in your house or building and check where the red liquid is at now and make another mark. Calibrate your altimeter by making marks for different heights.