Use a tornado or vortex generating kit to study the effects and causes of these naturally occurring whirls. These kits are great for both adults and children as they represent real life events in a safe and controlled environment. Creating these mini tornados is fun and educational for the entire family or classroom. When it comes to the best tornado and vortex generator kits, here are our top picks.
4M Kidz Labs Tornado Maker
Give this one a whirl
This tornado maker is extremely easy to use. Create a whirlwind right on your tabletop. All you need is an empty bottle and two AA batteries to make this vortex come to life. Observe how quickly the still water can transform into a fast-paced water tornado with this generator. This whirlpool maker is intended for children aged 8 and up.
Obtanim Tornado in A Bottle
Merging your whirls
These bottle connectors are excellent for vortex generating. Available in a pack of eight, these plastic connectors fit most standard-sized soda bottles. Fill a bottle with about 3 quarters of water and add some food coloring or washing power for effect. Use the connector to attach this bottle to another empty bottle and shake them horizontally. Your students and children will love watching how the wonderful vortex begins to take shape.
Ja-Ru Tornado Maker Toy
Spin, twist, and swirl your way to relaxation
This tornado generator comes in a pack of six and is extremely easy to use. Simply shake the bottle and watch as the twister forms above the realistic-looking houses. This vortex creator can be used as an educational toy or as a stress relief tool. Watching the water spin is visually pleasing and provides calming relief when overstimulated.
Smart Lab Toys Ultimate Vortex Generator
Tor-make-oh your own vortex
This vortex generator kit comes prepared to teach your students and children all about the details of a whirlpool. Equipped with a 24-page experiment guide and 20 different experiments, this educational kit has a lot of positive learning to offer. Pair basic household items such as dish soap and baking soda with the tools included in this kit to create and interact with homemade vortexes.
Tedco Toys Realistic Tornado Kit
Vor-text me your weather conditions
If you're interested in teaching your students or children about the effects of a tornado, the Tedco Toys Realistic Tornado Kit is a great choice. This vortex generator will capture the attention of your young ones and encourage them to engage in the lesson. Use this tool as a visual representation of what can happen when a tornado occurs and explain why and how they come to be. Simply shake the bottle to start a funnel.
The bottom line
Learning about tornados and vortexes can be extremely fun when paired with a tornado and vortex generator. Simple experiment kits like the 4M Kidz Labs Tornado Maker are safe to use and very effective when trying to show exactly what happens inside of a vortex as it's forming, once it's formed, and after it's stopped.
The Obtanim Tornado in A Bottle merges two recycled bottles together to generate a fully functioning vortex that is easy to observe. This kit is great for classrooms as it comes in a pack of eight.
When it comes to engaging science experiments, the Smart Lab Toys Ultimate Vortex Generator is an amazing option as it comes equipped with a 24-page experiment guide that uses easy-to-find household items as well as its included tools to create over 20 different vortex and tornado assessments.
