Hurricane Science Experiments

As hurricane season continues, it’s important to prepare your child for the possibility of a hurricane! But rather than trying to explain the science behind hurricanes, why not show it instead? These hurricane experiments and lessons from Orlando private schools can help your child understand how a storm forms and what they should expect.What Creates a Hurricane?Before jumping right into an experiment, explain to children what hurricanes are made of and how they pick up speed. Hurricanes start when warm ocean water mixes with the air to pick up energy. Spinning wind is the final component of a hurricane, turning it into a strong tropical storm.Creating a Hurricane ModelTo help your child visualize what a hurricane is, try this fun, easy science experiment. You just need a few items:

• A bowl of warm water
• A chopstick or stirring stick
• Food coloring (your choice)
• Shaving cream

To get the hurricane started, stir vigorously in one direction for 10 to 15 seconds. Then add a few drops of food coloring to the center of the bowl. Let your children observe how the color spins out and mixes with the water. Note how it keeps moving, even when you’re done stirring. To mimic the look of a hurricane on a weather forecast, spray in some shaving cream for clouds, and get the hurricane spinning again with your stirring stick. Talk to your children about the shape of the storm and how the clouds spread. Let each child take a turn adding color and stirring.Importance of PreparationThis activity gives children the knowledge base they need to feel confident when preparing for a hurricane. Be honest with her about the destructive power of a hurricane, but remind her that we can stay safe by preparing ahead of time, listening to weather reports, and getting to a safe location.Children feel empowered when they know what to expect and when they can help. Ask your child to help you make a hurricane safety kit that includes candles, matches, non-perishable food, and first-aid products. Ask him how he can help pets stay safe and comfortable during a storm, and get him excited about building a fort or playing card games as a family. Pray together as the storm approaches, and say prayers not just for your family, but for your neighbors, any stray animals, and people affected in other countries.Knowledge is power, so don’t leave your children in the dark about hurricanes. Use these ideas to make them educated and prepared.Our blog page has helpful hints for parents to encourage their children to excel academically, spiritually, and socially. To learn more about Orlando private schools, contact us at 407-246-4800.