Since spring is upon us and rain is still in the forecast, we will continue our Science Club Series on weather. Each post will provide the scientific background, supply list and directions. This experiment is something the kids can keep around to play afterwards. So let’s get started – time to create a tornado in a bottle.
I have created a simple downloadable printout of The Scientific Method that can be used for any of the Science Saturday Experiments on our blog. This can be especially great for older kids who can fill out their own Scientific Method.
QUESTION
What is a tornado? (my simplified explanation)
A tornado is a narrow, rapidly rotating column of air that extends from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris.
HYPOTHESIS
Ask your child what will happen when you quickly shake or stir the bottle?
EXPERIMENT
Here are the supplies needed to start a tornado in a bottle.
• Clear round plastic bottle (bottles with flat sides work the best)
• Water
• Dish soap
• Glitter
Time to get started.
1. Fill the bottle with water leaving about an inch on top.
2. Add a few drops of dish washing soap.
3. Add in a little bit of glitter for the debris.
Pro Mom Tip: If you want bigger debris, you can add in beads, grass or even little monopoly pieces. You can also add in 1 to 2 drops of food coloring to add extra effect. DO NOT add too much debris otherwise it’s hard to see the tornado.
4. Tighten the lid on. Make sure it’s on good before the next step.
5. Hold the bottle towards the top and start swirling the bottle in a circular motion counter clockwise kinda like your stirring real fast. For smaller kids, it may take both of their hands to swirl fast enough.
Pro Mom Tip: The faster you swirl the bottle, the faster the turnado will go.
6. Now quickly set the bottle down. You can start seeing the tornado forming and the debris spinning around.
Pro Mom Tip: If your bottle has too many bubbles, you can open the lid and squeeze out some of the bubbles. Tighten lid back on and try again.
RESULTS
This is the perfect time to have your child explain what was happening during the experiment. Did the water do anything? Did the glitter stay on the bottom or top? What happens the harder you swirl the bottle?
CONCLUSION
What did your child find out once the experiment was over? What’s a tornado? Can you see the tornado more with debris? What happens the faster it goes?
This is a simple and fun experiment that your kids can enjoy continuously. It’s easy to create and extremely fun to watch. This could even be great car trip entertainment for the kids. If you enjoyed this experiment, check out our previous Science Saturday! Thunder and Lightning Experiments.
Love,
Jeannie
P.S. Keep an eye out for our next Science Saturday! Create a Thunderstorm Experiment. A chance for the kids to watch storm fronts collide.
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