Properties of Air | Burping Bottle Science Activity

May 20, 2019

Properties of Air | Burping Bottle Science Activity

I was teaching a lesson on tornado tubes and wanted to show different ways to use them. I saw directions for a burping bottle but didn't have the exact supplies. I looked at it and realized a tornado tube could work perfectly. The students enjoyed it; it was a perfect way to show them that air takes up space.

Here is the original burping bottle I created. I also switched it up for Halloween. Make sure to read the whole blog. If you don't have a tornado tube, that is okay. I have a solution for that, too.

What is happening? Matter can not occupy the same space. The bottom bottle is full of air. The water can not go into the bottle unless some air comes out. A bubble of air comes up the straw, and then the water goes down the straw and into the bottle. Sometimes, it starts on its own; other times, you have to squeeze the bottle to get it going. It will continue to "burp" until the water level is the same height as the straw. The students will enjoy seeing how high the burp goes.

Directions

Place a straw through the hole in the tornado tube.
Fill clay around the straw on both sides of the tube. It must be airtight, and the straw must not get squished.
Cut the top bottle so it is a funnel.
Screw both bottles into the tornado tube.
Stand it upright and pour water into the top bottle, making sure it is over the height of the straw.
It might start on its own or give the bottle a little squeeze.

What if I don't have a tornado tube?

You can use a potato if you don't have a tornado tube. Yes, I just said potato. Cover your finger over one end of the straw. This will make it easier to poke through the potato. Use a small potato or cut a piece. Stab the straw through the potato. Remove the potato piece from inside the straw. Using your muscles screw the potato to the openings of each bottle. This is tricky, but you will get an air-tight seal. Add water and use it just like the tornado tube burping bottle.