Year 6, unit 3
Weather extremes
Name: .......................................................................... Class: .......................... Date: ......................
Lesson 3: Cyclone simulation
Worksheet:
Cyclone in a bottle
Equipment

two large plastic soft drink bottles

a nail

a hammer

water

food colouring

glue and strong tape

glitter (optional)
Procedure
1. Remove the labels and the lids from both bottles.
2. Join the lids of the bottles together (flat sides together) using the glue and strong
tape.
3. Using the nail and the hammer, carefully punch a large hole through the middle of
the joined lids. You will need a hole large enough to let water flow through. You
may need to experiment to find the best width. (Hint: at least 1/2 cm in diameter.)
4. Fill one of the bottles with water and add some food colouring and glitter.
5. Screw the joined lids onto the full bottle and then screw the empty bottle onto the
top of the full bottle. Make sure the seal is tight.
6. Turn the bottles upside down so that the one full of water is on the top. Then
move the bottles in a circular motion so the water inside starts to rotate and forms
a whirlpool.
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