Weather Experiment - Tornado in a Jar

In this weather experiment, we simulated the vortex seen in a tornado using a quart jar, a drop of soap, and a little vinegar.

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill up the jar about 3/4 full with lukewarm water.
Place a small drop of hand soap and a teaspoon or so of vinegar into the water. Place a screw on lid tightly over the jar.
Shake the jar to create a little foam. Then shake and swirl the jar so as to create water swirling within it.
When the water gets swirling around good, place the jar in an upright position and hold it still. You will see the swirling water form a vortex as shown in the photo on left and in the video.
If you have too much foam and bubbles, you may have to dump most or all of your water mixture out and fill with pure water. There will be enough soap left to still form the bubbles needed to show the vortex.