Simulador De Tornados

pedThe Workshop

The first item we will have in our workshop is a tornado simulator. It is only one of a number we know how to build, and it also one of the easiest and least expensive. We hope you enjoy building and experimenting with it.

Tornado Simulator
The new Tornado Project video, Secrets of the Tornado will, among other things, show a number of different "model" tornadoes that canbe made very easily and inexpensively at home. Most are made with items you already have around the house, or are readily available at a hardware or discount store. Some components were found at yard sales, flea markets, or are the kinds of materials stores throw away. And they are easy to build! In that spirit, we are providing the following tornado simulator plan for The Workshop. 

Thissimulator is great for science fairs, science projects or reports, or just for fun. And if you are like us, you will find them both fun to make and mesmerizing to watch.
Although we are providing the model plans, we do not intend to supply the extensive directions the video guide will have. We will also not go into the "science" of models as the video will. But this will get anyone who wants to make amodel a good start. Does it work? Check out this Lyndon State College meteorology student with it!

Materials
cardboard
If you can find a 24" high box that is 12" on each side you can cut the bottom and top off and save time. Since that is an odd size, however, we are assuming that you will have to assemble enough cardboard to create one that size.
plastic
This can be plastic wrap, Saranwrap, clear plastic on a roll, or a sheet of clear, hard plastic. The hard kind will make a better window, but is more expensive if you have to buy it.
flat black paint
This is for the inside of the box. Latex paint dries very quickly and cleans up easily, so that is what we use. If you don't have paint or don't want to paint, you can use some other black background material that can be secured tothe inside of the box. However, the duller the finish, the less likely it is to reflect light back and the easier the vortex will be to see.
duct tape
Duct tape will be used to connect the pieces of cardboard so that they create a box.
hot plate
The higher the wattage, the quicker it will heat the water.
pan
You can experiment to see which kind of pan gives you the best results. We use acake pan.
water
The steam from the boiling water will be the "tracer" that will allow you to see the vortex that forms. The more "tracer" you have, the easier it will be to see the vortex.
light source
This light will be directed into the simulator chamber to light up the vortex, so a "directional" light is better than a lamp that shines light in all directions. A "shop light" standing uprightworks well if you can find a way to keep it upright and steady. In a pinch, you could use a lamp and direct the light with aluminum foil.
Tools
Working with cutting tools and hot plates can be dangerous. Students and children should have adult supervision if they undertake this project.
Legal stuff: The Tornado Project is providing the instructions for this simulator, but cannot be heldresponsible for any cuts, burns or other injuries incurred during the creation or operation of this model.
meter stick or yard stick
If the meter stick is metal, you can use both to measure the cardboard and as a straight edge when you are cutting it.
tool to cut cardboard
This can be scissors, a utility knife, or a kitchen knife--whatever works best on the kind of cardboard being used.
tool to cutplastic
If you purchase clear, hard plastic from a "glass service", they will cut it for you. If you use plastic wrap or roll plastic, scissors will do.
paint brush
We use the disposable foam kind to paint the model. Then we wrap the brush tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze it until we know that we are done with it. After the model is fully put together and working, you may need to...