Jul 19 2008
Fun with Science: Make your own Tornado
This is a great activity to show weather systems or simply for a little play time. I actually have a Toysmith Cyclone Tube to use for this activity and you can usually pick these up at any science, or toy store. You can also purchase them at a teacher supply store and they are not too expensive. My cyclone tube cost me $6.95 before tax and I have used it lots.
If you are only planning on doing this activity once, then you can easily make a temporary one with only a few items.
What you need:
- 2-2 liter pop bottles
- Water
- Food Coloring (optional)
- glitter and confetti (optional)
- 1-1 inch washer
- Duct Tape (the handyman’s secret weapon according to Red Green)
What you need to do:
- Fill one bottle with water. Usually the half way mark or just below three quarters is more than enough. Don’t fill it to the top.
- Place in food coloring or glitter if you are using any.
- Place the washer on the opening of the bottle and invert the second bottle, placing it on top of the first so that both bottle openings touch with the washer between them.
- Duct tape them together securely to prevent leaks from happening.
- Turn the bottle so the one with water is on top. Give a circle shake to the bottle and a tornado will form in the water as it drains into the bottom bottle.
And that is all it takes. Children love watching the tornado twist around the bottle and it has occupied many children that I have taught for hours on end. My own kids love the cyclone tube and they will turn it repeatedly just to see that tornado.
You can use this activity to teach about weather or you can simply use it as an enjoyable rainy day activity.
Sirena Van Schaik
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