Tornado in a Bottle: The Vortex of Teaching and Learning

by: Thomas O'Brien

In this activity, two 2 L plastic soda bottles are connected at their mouths. Colored water from the upper bottle falls in the lower bottle quickly only after the two bottle system is given a twist to create a spiraling, funnel-shaped vortex. This visual participatory analogy can be used to challenge the empty vessel idea and other “unquestioned answers” about interactive teaching and minds-on learning.

Details

Type Book ChapterPub Date 3/1/2010Stock # PB271X_30

NSTA Press produces classroom-ready activities, hands-on approaches to inquiry, relevant professional development, the latest scientific education news and research, assessment and standards-based instruction.

Learn More