In this simple and easy experiment, we will determine the temperature from a cricket’s chirp.
Things Required:
Watch with a second hand
Cricket (may be purchased from a live bait store)
Jar
Nylon stocking
rubber band
Directions:
Catch a cricket and place it in the jar. Stretch the stocking over the mouth of the jar and secure with the rubber band. Count the cricket chirps in 15 seconds.
Add forty to the number of chirps counted. Repeat this process several times before releasing the cricket.
This Is What Happens:
The sum of the chirps in 15 seconds plus forty equals the air temperature in degrees Fahrenheit around the cricket.
Science Behind It:
The temperature affects the activity of many animals. Cold weather can make them sluggish while warmer weather increases their activity. Crickets chirp more in warm weather and less when it is cold.
