Human Hair Predicts Weathery
Bad hair days are not new to science! In 1783, Swiss geologist Horace Benedict de
Saussure observed that strands of hair lengthen or contract when exposed to
different levels of moisture. He uused this knowledge to invent a device that used
human hair to measure the amount of moisture in the atmosphere.
The hair hygrometer was just one tool used to measure changes in the atmosphere.
Can you think of any others? With a partner, brainstorm a list of techniques or tools
that are used to record weather. Write your ideas in the space below.