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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.
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Demonstration, Model
- English
Quick Guide
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)
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Technology
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Gravity
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Impacts of Technology
- Technology and History
-
Technology and Society
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