Report Copyright Infringement View in OSM UK

Description

https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/storm-in-a-teacup/

Talk about tornadoes
1) Everyone should discuss what they know about tornadoes. What are they? Do we get them in this country? Where are most of the big ones found? How fast can they go?
Tornadoes are a tightly spinning wind. They’re formed when warm, humid air collides with cold, dry air. We get them in the UK, but they’re so small that they rarely cause much damage. Most of the big ones are found in the USA, where there are around 1,000 a year – the ones in the USA can be very destructive. Tornadoes can go at about 300mph, and travel about six miles in 10 minutes.
2) Everyone should make some predictions about the tornadoes we’ll make in jars. Will we be able to see them? How big will they be? How strong?

Resources

Washing up liquid
Access to water
Jars with lids
Sand

Instructions

Mix up a storm
1) Give everyone a jar. Everyone should fill the jar with water until it’s around three quarters full.
2) Add one drop of washing-up liquid to the water.
3) Add a sprinkle of sand. Most tornadoes are transparent – they get their grey colour from the dust and mud they pick up from the ground. We’re adding the sand to be able to see ours.
4) Everyone should tightly screw on the lid of their jar and make sure it doesn’t leak.
5) Turn the jar upside down and shake it vigorously in a circular motion.
6) Turn the jar back up the right way and put it down on a flat surface. Watch your storm brew, swirl, and dissipate.

Tags

(none)

Badge Links

• Scientist - Other