Product Description

Create your own twirling, whirling vortex and stare into the eye of the storm! Become a tornado expert as you create your own tornadoFive motorized speeds correspond to the internationally recognized F1 – F5 Fujita Scale of measuring tornadoesCool tornado sound effectsIncludes experiments on how different materials react in a vortexDurable plastic machine has see-through top for an unobstructed viewIncludes 22-page, full color tornado guide, full of fun facts, diagrams and scienceConduct your own tornado experimentsBonus DVD – Raging Planet: Tornadoes and HurricanesLearn fascinating facts about these swirling storms, then create your own desktop tornado at home!Safety warning: This product contains small parts that may present a choking hazard for young children.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13648 in Toys & Games
• Brand: Discovery Channel

Features

• Batteries: Requires three AA batteries (not included)
• Dimensions: 6L X 8.25H X 6W inches

Customer Reviews

A Good Model and I Should Know
This toy is versatile and can be used at many levels. Early learners will like the Halloween-y howling sounds it makes, and will like to watch the spiraling shape. More advanced kids can study specific gravity and weather patterns, as well as learning about the more notorious tornadoes in US history. The tornado lab is fun to use with food coloring in the water, to show how air masses collide; also fun to vary the little items dropped in. Just as in real life, the lighter lower specific gravity items are captured in the vortex and carried up; the higher specific gravity items are tossed out. (I should know; I survived the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado in Indiana. One of my Dad's checkbook registers was returned to us from central Ohio.) We really think this is a fun toy, even for phobics, and we have used one up already and are on our second.

CUSTOMER SERVICE NIGHTMARE!!!
We ordered this item for our son's birthday. When he opened the box, it was obvious it had been used. The clear plastic portion was scratched up and had fingerprints and smudges all over. The housing was filthy and the labels on the buttons showed signs of wear. Needless to say we were embarrassed and our son was disappointed. We shipped the item back the next day and then called The Discovery Store. They were uncooperative and said they would not refund our original shipping charges. Over a month after they received the returned item, they still have not refunded our purchase amount. Amazon DID step up to the plate and refunded both shipping costs. Now our credit card company is in dispute with Discovery to attempt to recover our losses. After multiple calls to The Discovery Store's rude associates with poor business practices, this experience has been a huge headache and we would suggest you avoid ordering from them.

Inexpensive toy for young ones
This toy is exactly like described. My son was really into tornadoes for his birthday this year (6). It made him happy to play with it and it lasted longer than the fascination. It still works fine and a lot of kids have played with it. I definitely say it is worth the money if you have a young child who wants a "tornado in a bottle".