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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