Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

DIY Cyclone

Among the most dangerous natural disasters, tornadoes emerge from thunderstorms and can have winds of up to 250 miles per hour. They are well known for funnel clouds that often are full of debris. These cyclones may be fascinating, but chasing them for study -- as some experts do -- is highly dangerous. Without leaving your home, you can observe a cyclone by creating a simple project to emulate the behavior of a real-life tornado.

Things You'll Need

Two 2-liter plastic bottles
Water
Glitter
Food coloring
Duct tape

Instructions

- 1
  Remove labels from bottles. Clean thoroughly, inside and out, and let dry.
- 2
  Fill one bottle with water. Add a sprinkle of glitter to represent the cyclone's collected dust and debris. Add several drops of food coloring for added visibility. Replace the bottle's lid and shake well to mix ingredients.
- 3
  Remove lid. Turn the second bottle upside-down. Align the mouths of both bottles and wrap with duct tape. Use several turns to ensure a waterproof seal.
- 4
  Hold the two bottles by their bases. Rotate, pouring water from one bottle into the other. Twist the bottles lightly in a circle as the water flows, creating a cyclone. Observe as your cyclone coils and contracts like an actual tornado.

Nature