Saturday STEAM Challenge – Tornado in a Jar

Tornado in a Jar

This Saturday STEAM Challenge is all about tornadoes! With just a few simple materials, kids can create their very own swirling storm in a jar. Fill a jar with water, add a few drops of dish soap, and (optional) a little glitter or food coloring for extra effect. Secure the lid tightly, then swirl the jar in a circular motion and watch as a spinning tornado forms right before your eyes!

Materials:
-Clear jar or plastic bottle with lid
-Water
-Dish soap
-Optional : Food coloring or glitter

Instructions:

  1. Fill your jar or bottle up with water
  2. Add a couple of drops of dish soap
  3. Optional : Add a sprinkle of glitter or food coloring
  4. Shake your jar in a circular motion to create your tornado!

As the water spins, you’ll see a vortex form in the center—just like a real tornado. This is a fun and simple way to explore how motion and force create movement in liquids.

Extra STEM Challenges

  1. Speed Test: Spin the jar slowly and then quickly—how does the tornado change?
  2. Observation Challenge: What shape does the tornado make? How long does it last?
  3. Add-On Experiment: Try adding glitter or small beads to better see the movement inside the vortex.
  4. Comparison Test: Does a larger jar or smaller jar make a different tornado?
  5. Direction Challenge: Spin clockwise and then counterclockwise—what do you notice?
  6. Real-World Connection: Talk about where tornadoes happen and how they form in nature.

This activity helps kids explore motion, force, and simple weather science in a fun and hands-on way.

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xo Shiny Happy Kids