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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Making a Tornado using Recycled Bottles

Making a Tornado Model is lots of fun for kids!They will want to repeat making a vortex again and again!!!





Materials
  • 2 clean, clear, recycled 2-liter bottles (remove labels)
  • water
  • tornado tube connector (approx. cost $3.00) 
  • food coloring (optional) 
  • funnel (if available)



Directions
  • Recycle two 2-liter bottles. Remove labels.
  • Have an adult remove any plastic rings that are on the necks of the bottles.
  • Add water to one bottle (approx. 2/3 full).
  • Add a couple of drops of food coloring.
  • Screw on the tornado tube connector to the bottle with water.
  • Screw the other bottle onto the other end of the tube.
  • Flip the bottles over quickly and carefully.
  • Hold the bottles tightly and swirl it around several times in a circular motion.
  • Observe the vortex action!

This activity works great with a Science Unit on Storms and/or Weather and when learning safety procedures during storms.

You can use duct tape instead of the tornado tube connector but it doesn't work as well!  : (    (I tried!)

I purchased the tornado tube connectors at a local Lakeshore Learning Store but they are also available at Amazon.


  Have fun!



















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3 comments:

  1. Very cool project!! Just wanted to let you know I popped back over to follow & Like you back =-) I look forward to seeing you like back up next week! Beth =-)

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  2. I wonder if tornado tubes would work with other size bottles

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  3. Tricia,
    You're thinking like a scientist!!! :)
    You can also use 1 liter bottles. The connectors also fit and the smaller bottles are a little easier for younger kids to handle.
    The connectors also fit on even smaller sizes but you want enough water to demonstrate the energy of the vortex.
    Marcia :)

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