Pop Bottle Tornado
SCIENCE

Materials

(for each group)

• two empty 1- or 2- liter clear plastic bottles
• duct tape
• water
• food coloring

Tornadoes are vortexes of spinning air. In this activity, students can make a similar vortex of spinning water.

Directions

Divide the class into small groups. Have students follow these instructions:

1. Fill one of the bottles about three-quarters full of water and then add a few drops of food coloring.
2. Set the other bottle on top of the first bottle and tape them together with the duct tape.
3. 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.