You Said It! Air Pressure Product Reviews


You Said It! Product Reviews - Educational Innovations Newsletter

At Educational Innovations, we love all sorts of scientific topics but we’ll admit that air pressure holds a special place in our hearts.  After all, air (and its pressure) is all around us, so why not celebrate this amazing area of science?

Teachers clearly prize our air pressure materials as much as we do—they are among some of our best loved products year after year.  Read on for candid reviews from our customers.

If you have a favorite Educational Innovations product, send us a comment below!  We’d love to share your review with your fellow teachers and science lovers.

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The Toroidal Vortex


Ellen Lewis, Educational Innovationsby: Ellen Lewis

A Toroidal Vortex is whirling air or liquid in the shape of a doughnut.  Vortices are created in nature by many things including dolphins, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and whirlpools.  They can be created around the wings of an airplane, in the wake of a boat, or in a rocket blast.  Now you can make Toroidal Vortices in your classroom with the Zero Blaster and the Air Zooka.  Use these products to discuss friction, pressure, the Bernoulli Effect, or the Coanda Effect.

Activity 1: A Simple Toroidal Vortex

Create a simple Toroidal Vortex with a droplet of food coloring and a tall glass of water.  Start by holding the dropper about 3 cm above the water’s surface.  Squeeze a single drop of food coloring straight down into the glass.  You will be amazed to see how the friction between the water and the food coloring will create the doughnut shaped rings! Read the rest of this entry »