Whirlwinds or whirlpools

Globule's Approach.

How do whirlwinds or whirlpools form?

Experiment: Whirlwinds or whirlpools

Hypotheses: Ask children where they have observed whirlwinds or whirlpools. They may say that the water swirls in their bathtub when they remove the stopper or that it spins in the toilet when they flush. Ask them which natural phenomenon they can think of. Tornadoes are whirlwinds.

Material:

• 2 large 2L plastic soft drink bottles
• Masking tape
• Water
• Food Colouring
• Sparkles

Manipulations :

1. Pour water into one of the plastic bottles until it is ¾ full.
   
   
2. Add a few drops of food colouring.
   
   
3. Add a handful of sparkles.
   
   
4. Place the second bottle, which is empty, over the first one (neck to neck).
   
   
5. Tie the two bottles together using masking tape. Be sure they are secure so the water will be unable to escape.
   
   
6. Now, turn the bottles upside down with a rotating motion. You created a whirlpool!

Explanation : bottles, the water descends while turning around an air tunnel. The water descends at the same time as air rises. What would happen if we overturned the bottles without a rotating motion? There would be no passage for the air. Large air bubbles would form since the air in the bottle beneath would have to travel through the water to reach the top bottle.

Angélique Boissonneault

has a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science. She has worked in a laboratory and tested her knowledge. She has taught Math, Chemistry, and Physics. She has also developed a simplistic and innovative approach designed to introduce young children to scientific experiments, old and new. She created her friend Globule. This character is sometimes red, and sometimes white. He guides little ones through their scientific experiments and discoveries. It is clear to see Angélique is passionate about children and science. Globule's Approach.