Twirling Tornado Fun!

Materials Needed:

• Two empty, clear 2-liter plastic bottles (or sturdy water bottles)
• Water
• Dish soap
• Glitter (optional)
• Strong waterproof tape (like duct tape)
• Paper
• Crayons or markers

Lesson Activities:

1. What is a Tornado? (Engage - 5 mins)

Ask your student: "Have you ever seen the wind blow really hard? What happens?" Talk about strong winds during storms. Explain: "Sometimes, during very big thunderstorms, the wind can start spinning super fast in the shape of a funnel, touching the ground. That's called a tornado! It looks like a giant spinning top coming down from the clouds." You can show a safe picture or a short, age-appropriate video clip of a tornado if comfortable.

2. Make a Tornado in a Bottle! (Explore & Explain - 15 mins)

Let's see what that spinning looks like safely!

1. Fill one bottle about two-thirds full with water.
2. Add a tiny drop of dish soap (just a little!).
3. Add a pinch of glitter if you want to see the spinning better (optional).
4. Place the second empty bottle upside down on top of the water-filled bottle, matching the openings.
5. Carefully and tightly wrap the tape around where the bottles meet. Make sure it's very secure and won't leak!
6. Now, turn the bottles over so the water-filled one is on top. Hold the bottles firmly.
7. Swirl the top bottle in a circle quickly for a few seconds and then stop. Watch the water inside! You should see a mini funnel - a vortex - form, looking like a tiny tornado!

Explain as you watch: "See how it spins like a funnel? Real tornadoes are like this but HUGE and made of wind and things picked up from the ground."

3. Tornado Safety Time (Elaborate - 10 mins)

Ask: "Tornadoes have very strong winds, so we need to be safe. Where is the safest place in our house if a tornado was nearby?" Discuss going to the lowest level (basement if you have one), an inside room with no windows (like a closet or bathroom), and staying low. Practice! Say "Tornado Drill!" and have your student quickly and safely walk to the designated safe spot.

4. Draw a Tornado! (Evaluate - 10 mins)

Give your student paper and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of a tornado. They can draw the funnel shape, the stormy clouds above, and maybe even draw a house with people safely inside in the basement or safe room. While drawing, ask review questions: "What is that spinning thing called?" "Where do we go to be safe?"

5. Wrap-up (Review - 5 mins)

Look at the drawing together. Briefly review what a tornado is (spinning wind funnel) and the most important safety rule (go to your safe place). Praise their participation and learning!

Missouri Learning Standard Connection: This lesson touches upon MO K.ESS3.B: Natural Hazards - learning about types of severe weather (tornadoes) and how to prepare/respond safely.