Make a Sand Bottle Timer

This simple, fun activity for kids teaches concepts in Math and Science.

• measurement
• time
• gravity
• recycling

Materials

• 2 small recycled plastic bottles
• sand
• tornado tube connector (cost approx. $3.00) or cardstock/aluminum foil and tape
• clock with second hand/stopwatch/timer
• funnel (if available)

Directions

• Remove the labels from 2 clean, clear, plastic bottles. 
• Have an adult remove any plastic rings that are on the necks of the bottles. 
• Fill one of the bottles half full of sand.
• Screw one end of the tornado tube connector onto the bottle filled with sand.
• Screw the other bottle onto the other end of the tornado tube connector.
• Turn the bottles over to watch the sand flow into the other bottle.
• Use a timer/stopwatch/clock with second hand to time how long it takes for the sand to completely flow.
• It you want the length of time to be longer or shorter, keep adjusting (adding or taking away sand from the bottle.)

Older students can try to make a timer that is exactly 30 seconds or 1 minute. They can use the timer for various fun tasks. 

If you don't have the availability of a tornado tube connector, the kids could use a round piece of cardstock or heavy aluminum foil, the same size as the mouth of the bottles, with a hole punched in the center. Place the cardstock between the bottle openings and tape the bottles together.  The tornado tube connector works the best but the tape can be used as an alternative.

    Have fun with your 'Time in a Bottle'!