Wild Weather: Tornadoes! Extension Activities
Pop Bottle Tornado
(for each group)
- two empty 1- or 2- liter clear plastic bottles
- duct tape
- food coloring
Tornadoes are vortexes of spinning air. In this activity, students can make a similar vortex of spinning water.
Divide the class into small groups. Have students follow these instructions:
- Fill one of the bottles about three-quarters full of water and then add a few drops of food coloring.
- Set the other bottle on top of the first bottle and tape them together with the duct tape.
- Carefully invert the bottles. Hold one hand firmly on the bottom bottle. Use your other hand to swirl the top bottle in a circle. A vortex is created.