Research Proposal Defense | CAPSTONE DLSL SHS STEM

Summary

The research proposal titled 'Pedal Powered Ditch: Cycling Things to Organic Monkeys' addresses the challenge of solid waste management in the Philippines, particularly focusing on waste burning practices in Barangay Benevolent. The team, led by Casey Branco and co-researchers, proposes a pedal-powered leaf shredder to reduce waste and promote organic mulching. The study aims to lessen environmental and health hazards from burning, introduce shredded dry leaves as mulch, and assess its impact on plant growth. The project is significant for sustainable waste management, community health, and future research.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The research proposal aims to address the solid waste management challenge in the Philippines, particularly focusing on reducing waste burning and promoting the use of shredded dry leaves as organic mulch.
• 📈 The yearly waste generation in the Philippines is projected to increase significantly, with a notable rise from 13.48 million pounds in 2010 to 16.63 million tons in 2020.
• 🔥 The current waste management practice in Barangay Benevolent involves burning, which is harmful to the environment and public health, with 47.2% of the population practicing this method.
• 🌿 The researchers hypothesize that there is no significant difference in plant growth between using solid mulch and not using it, suggesting the potential benefits of shredded dry leaves as mulch.
• 🏗️ The study's scope includes designing a product to facilitate proper solid waste management at the household level, with a focus on the relationship between knowledge and waste management practices.
• 🚫 The study will not cover air quality analysis or related health problems caused by waste burning, and its conclusions are limited to the samples and variables used.
• 🌱 The project is significant for the community as it aligns with the Lasallian mission of building a sustainable and inclusive society, and it raises awareness about the adverse effects of current waste management practices.
• 🔧 The proposed product, a pedal-powered leaf shredder, is a mechanical device designed to shred dry leaves for use as organic mulch, aiming to prevent leaf burning in the community.
• 📊 The methodology involves experimental research to determine the impact of mulch on plant growth, using cat plants as test subjects and employing a t-test to analyze the data.
• 🔬 The study will measure plant height, number of leaves, and number of fruits to assess the effectiveness of the organic mulch, with the experimental group receiving mulch and the control group not.

Q & A

What is the main challenge addressed in the research proposal?

The main challenge addressed is solid waste management, particularly the improper disposal methods like burning, which have negative effects on the environment and public health.

What is the expected increase in yearly waste amount according to the National Solid Waste Management Status Report?

The report expects the yearly waste amount to increase from 13.48 million pounds in 2010, to 14.6 million pounds in 2014, and to 16.63 million tons in 2020.

What is the current government-provided solution for waste management in the Philippines?

The government provides collection services for waste management, but due to financial constraints, this service is only available to a limited number of households.

What percentage of the population in Barangay Benevolent practices waste burning according to the research?

47.2% of the population in Barangay Benevolent practices waste burning.

What are the researchers' objectives in relation to waste management?

The researchers aim to lessen the practice of waste burning and introduce the use of shredded dry leaves as an organic mulch.

What is the hypothesis of the research regarding the use of shredded dry leaves as mulch?

The hypothesis is that there is no significant difference between the growth of plants with mulch and those without mulch.

What is the scope of the study proposed by the researchers?

The scope of the study is to design and propose a product that will enable households to practice proper solid waste management and to use shredded dry leaves as organic mulch.

What are the potential benefits of using shredded dry leaves as organic mulch according to the related literature?

Using shredded dry leaves as organic mulch can improve soil quality, increase crop yield, and serve as an alternative waste management method that is less harmful to the environment.

What is the proposed product that the researchers aim to introduce to prevent leaf burning in the community?

The proposed product is a pedal-powered leaf shredder that can convert dry leaves into organic mulch.

What is the methodology of the experimental research that will be conducted by the researchers?

The methodology involves a controlled experiment using cat plants, with one group receiving organic mulch and the other without, to determine the effects of mulch on plant growth.

What are the independent, dependent, and controlled variables in the experimental research?

The independent variable is the presence of mulch, the dependent variables are the growth of plants and the number of weeds, and the controlled variables include the amount and frequency of watering, temperature, and sunlight.