Why The “Tornado In A Bottle” Experiment For Kids Is Still Popular 40 Years Later
Since you’re reading this, we’re assuming that you’re familiar with the iconic “Tornado In A Bottle” experiment that has been loved by kids for decades. Perhaps you even remember playing with it when you were just a tot. The timeless science experiment was conceived by accident in 1988 when the then 11-year-old inventor Craig Burnham attempted to make a sand timer out of two large glass bottles separated by a washer. Rather than using sand, he used water. To his discovery, it didn’t work, and when he shook it out of frustration, a beautiful water vortex was created (ultimately resulting in his invention of the “Tornado Tube” product of which millions of units have been sold). Fast forward almost 40 years later, and the tornado in a bottle experiment is still relevant.
Not only is the “Tornado In A Bottle” experiment still relevant, but you can make the argument that it is as popular now as it ever was, and it has maintained relevancy over time. A quick search on YouTube results in hundreds of tornado-in-a-bottle and water vortex videos, mostly featuring kids in a state of fascination with what they are witnessing. Perhaps most notably, Ryan’s World, the largest toy reviewer on YouTube who routinely amasses millions of views on every video and currently has 37.4 million subscribers at the time of this writing, posted two videos on his channel featuring the iconic experiment within the last year that each has around 10 million views. Speaking of toys, this type of sustained relevancy is extremely uncommon. So what is it about this simple rudimentary experiment that has lasted the test of time?
Since it’s a science experiment, it only makes sense to suggest that the “tornado in a bottle” relevance is based on the fact that it is a valuable learning experience regarding physics. The displaced air from the lower bottle travels upwards to the top half when the bottles are shaken, thereby breaking the surface tension and causing a water vortex. While this may be interesting, we could argue that the real value behind “Tornado In A Bottle” is found in its satisfying and engaging play pattern. The swirling of the bottle, the beautiful water vortex traveling downward gracefully in a captivating motion, and the ability to flip and repeat the processing time and time again serve as a simple but captivating stimulant.
On a scientific level, the allure of these things makes sense. Kids have the tendency to fidget to calm the excitatory triggers in the brain that cause anxiety, stress, and distraction, which the swirling of the bottles provides. This is why the “satisfying” and “fidget” trends were so huge as of late. Looking at flowing water has been shown to activate feel-good chemicals in the brain. This is why people love going to the beach and looking at the water, as well as looking at water fountains, waterfalls, etc. And lastly, the repetitive motion is also satisfying, as humans are drawn to patterns in nature that have the ability to be repeated over and over again.
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Conclusion
In an age of exponential technological advancements in all facets of life, there is something gratifying about the simple old tornado-in-a-bottle experiment still resonating with kids today. It fortifies the need for tactile experiences in real life. These experiences are what make us human, after all. As intriguing as the digital world is, there will always be the desire to interact with engaging and captivating natural phenomena in the real world. Don’t be surprised if your 10-year-old’s grandchild is captivated by the tornado in a bottle experiment in 2088.
About Whirlbottle
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