Tornado Tube

Create a tornado in a bottle!
Hands-on demonstration of vortex action
Study kinetic and potential energy
Great introduction to any weather unit

SKU: WTUB-015 (15 Pack) | WTUB-030 (30 Pack) | WTUB-100 (100 Pack) | *Bottles not included
SKU: WTUB-525 (1 Pack with Two 1-Liter Bottles)

Frequently Purchased Together

Create a Tornado in a Bottle!

An exciting experiment featuring a close-up look at a tornado vortex

Connect two empty bottles with the Tornado Tube, tip it upside down, swirl the bottles, and in seconds a “tornado” appears! Use this experiment to study kinetic and potential energy, as well as the atmospheric conditions needed to create a tornado vortex. This colorful plastic tube experiment is a great introduction to any weather unit. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

How does it work?

Fill one of the 1-liter bottles with water. Connect the empty bottle to the first with the Tornado Tube, so it looks like an hourglass. Tip this “hourglass” upside down, swirl the bottles, and in seconds a beautiful “water tornado” appears.

What does it teach?

Use this experiment to introduce students to kinetic energy and potential energy. Help students discover how air pressure and density work together to create an incredible force of nature. Learn about the science of vortex energy, the swirling, twisting, and spiraling action that can be found everywhere in nature.

What Colors do the Tubes Come in?

The tubes come in a variety of colors including but not limited or guaranteed to be: green, blue, clear, yellow, orange, teal, and red.

What Size Bottles Can I Use?

Any size bottles will work with the tornado tube but we recommend using 1 liter bottles. We have found that the 1 liters contain just enough liquid to demonstrate the energy of the vortex. It is also the easiest for your kids to hold on to.

Learn About Vortexes and Energy!

Creates a hands-on demonstration of vortex action! Steve Spangler’s Tornado Tube can be used to study kinetic and potential energy with your students!

Sizes Available

15 Tubes
30 Tubes
100 Tubes
Activity Guide

*Tube colors are assorted and will vary

Frequently Asked Questions

What colors do they come in?

The tubes come in a variety of colors including but not limited or guaranteed to be: green, blue, clear, yellow, orange, teal, and red.

What size bottles can I use?

Any size bottles will work with the tornado tube but we recommend using 1 liter bottles. We have found that the 1 liters contain just enough liquid to demonstrate the energy of the vortex. It is also the easiest for your kids to hold on to.

Safety Information