Uncategorized2 Comments
This is an easy and fun experiment that you can do at home to demonstrate the power of a vortex. Kids will be able to (safely!) see a vortex in action—a perfect activity to use when studying hurricanes, tornadoes or maelstroms.
Little Bins for Little Hands has all the steps you’ll need, plus explains the science behind tornadoes.
Add food coloring, glitter, and LEGO like Playing with Rain does!
KC Adventures shows how to do a colored tornado in a bottle, along with some books suggestions that are all about tornadoes.
Water beads! Mini Masterminds added colorful water beads to the tornado!
No plastic bottles on hand? No worries – Playdough to Plato made a tornado in a jar.
David Peck says
This is really not a tornado. It’s more like the water in your toilet. It shows water rotating counterclockwise. Better lab for a tornado I found works is use one CLEAR 2 liter bottle, about a 1/2 to cup of salt and some muscle. Add water 2/3 full. Then add 1/2 cup salt, close top, invert bottle so top is now in the center of your weaker hand. Other hand on top and quickly rotate large base, while holding the smaller end tight in your hand. Once the water is rotating, hold straight up and if enough salt, you’ll see one or more vortices rotating. Rotate the base counterclockwise. If tornado not visible, continue to add salt at small amounts, till visible! You can also add glitter as debris. Lasts a,short time, you’ll have to start over after adding glitter. Have fun. I have had it spinning so fast, I’ve seen multiple vortices dropping and rising from the tornado base.
Susan W says
Thank so much for sharing! We have used this fun hands-on project for years. Enjoy!!