Have you ever played with Tornado Tubes (affiliate link)? I ordered one for our family because I had fond memories of exploring them as a kid! We tried making our own with duct tape first, but had trouble with it leaking. Tornado tubes are super simple to use: screw one end onto an empty soda bottle (be sure to remove the plastic ring first for a good fit), fill that container roughly 1/3-1/2 full of water, then screw a second soda bottle (ring also removed) on top. We added some purple glitter to ours to make the vortex easier to see (and because glitter is pretty).
This is such a fun way for kids to learn about the force created by a vortex – the same force that makes a tornado leave so much destruction in its wake. The water will eventually move into a vortex (tornado) shape, but you can speed up the process by swirling the water around.
If you don’t swirl the bottle, the water will go through slowly at the beginning, because a little water will go through, then some air will come up from the lower bottle, then a little more water will go through. Once the vortex has been created, the air can move up through a neat little hold in the middle, so it can move smoothly up into the upper bottle as the water flows down!
I love simple visual science experiments like this one – so kid-friendly! Here are a few other kid-friendly experiments that we enjoy:
- Inflate a balloon using baking soda and vinegar
- Make pasta dance in soda water
- Look for nature’s camouflage
- Experiment with candy
Did you play with tornado tubes as a kid? Have you ever made the duct tape version without it leaking water? Have you done this experiment with your own kids? Is there a science experiment from your childhood that you think the kids and I should explore?
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
We haven’t done this…but I know a few kids who would love too! :)
It’s a lot of fun!
So fun! I’ve never made these before. We should do this for Science.
It’s a great visual science experiment for kids!
No – we’ve never done this but it looks like so much fun!! I especially like that you added glitter to make it easier to see.
The glitter makes it much easier to see – and it’s pretty!
I wish I had handprint ornaments for all the kids like Anna’s – love having hers!
We never did, though Phyllis from All Things Beautiful has me convinced I need one for the 20 different experiments I’ve seen her do with them.
I definitely need to check out her experiments!
That looks really fun!! I like the idea of using tubes for less mess!
The tubes definitely make this experiment easier!
We watched this done at a children’s museum awhile back and Stefan loved it. I’ve been wanting to try it at home but had forgotten about it. We’ll have to put it on our list to do…after the holidays and baby! :-)
It’s a lot of fun – maybe something for you to try in 2014 :)
Very nice, Mama. I love anything that creates interest and wonder about science. Especially for girls/women.
Great experiment! Thanks so much for sharing.
This is a very fun, simple, visual experiment – so kid-friendly!
This looks fun! I haven’t tried it with soda bottles, but we enjoy watching water go down the drain! I like your explanation about the air transfer – very clear!
Water down the drain is a great visual of the same effect!
Love it! John has 3D printed tornado tube connectors. I think it’s more work/hassle than it’s worth with the 3D printed connectors. I’d rather purchase them; they are relatively inexpensive for a lot of fun.
I guess you have to calculate in the fun of successfully 3D printing them? They are pretty inexpensive, so a nice little science investment :)
Very cool experiment. I know this isn’t an experiment, but remember those submarines that came in Capn Crunch that were supposed to sink and rise to the surface when you put baking soda in them? I wish they’d worked. That would be kind of like a science project.
Okay, now I want to look those up. Don’t remember them (raised by a health-nut mom), but now I’m intrigued…
Little J received one a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I should pull it out again for the kids to experiment with over winter break.
It’s a fun rainy/snowy day experiment!
I still want to have a tornado tube. Hmm… Maybe a stocking stuffer :)
It’s the perfect size for a stocking stuffer :)
Oh if we do this with my son, he’ll be hooked. We don’t drink soda. Where should I get the bottles? Maybe I’ll ask neighbors. :)
We don’t drink soda either, so we got ours from friends. There are so many fun things you can do with soda bottles – I kind of wish water came in them!