Scientists often use models to explain what is happening in nature in an easy to understand way. We used an aquarium filled with water to be the atmosphere. Then we dropped in blue ice cubes which floated on top of the 'atmosphere' to be the cold air - we could see the blue convection currents falling down. We used similes to describe what they looked like: jellyfish tentacles, raindrops, gymnastic ribbons.
We then placed red hot water on the floor to be the hot air rising - we could see the red convection currents rising up. Again, we used similes to describe what this looked like: volcanoes, fireworks, blood.
After a time, the blue and the red coloured water mixed together and turned the water purple - this is what happens in a real thunderstorm: the cold air from the clouds mixes with the warm air rising from the ground or sea, and swirls around to form a thunderstorm.
Our next challenge will be to make a noise like a thunderstorm. (Watch out Allison, because I think nearly everyone will want to make a thunder clapper - it could get very loud in Room 2 - you might have to wear ear-muffs!)
No comments:
Post a Comment