Toilet Model

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In this activity, PVC pipe, plastic water bottles and vinyl tubing are used to make a simple working toilet model. The model shows the role of a siphon in the flushing of a toilet. Educators can pre-assemble this model and use it for demonstration purposes or engage learners in the model building process.

Quick Guide

Learning Time:
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 3 PVC 1/2 in. pipe, 6 in. long
  • 2 PVC 1/2 in. pipe, 4 in. long
  • 2 PVC 1/2 in. pipe, 3 in. long
  • 1 PVC 1/2 in. pipe, 10 in. long
  • 2 PVC 1/2 in. 90 degree elbows
  • 2 PVC 1/2 in. T
  • 1 PVC 1/2 in. cross
  • PVC shears, or alternate way to cut PVC pipe
  • 2 ft. clear plastic tubing, 3/8 in. i.d., 1/2 in. o.d.
  • 1 plastic cable tie
  • 2 plastic water bottles, 500 mL
  • 1 cap to fit one of the water bottles
  • hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
  • utility knife
  • scissors
  • electric drill and 15/32 in. bit
  • 1 wine cork
  • 1 wooden dowel or bamboo skewer, approximately 5 in. long
  • bottom half of a larger plastic bottle or large clear plastic cup (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
    • Technology
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Gravity
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
      • Technology and History

Informal Categories

  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Rathjen, Don

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2005