NIGERIA
EFFECTIVE USE OF TEACHING METHODOLOGIES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS IN NIGERIANS’ CLASSROOMS
INVESTIGADORES: Adedibu Aderemi Abass & Tijani Waliu Adigun
INSTITUCIÓN: Arena for contest in Science, Technology & Mathematics in Nigeria
The performance of Nigerian students’ in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) is disheartening and appalling due to ineffective teaching methodology. This paper thus focuses on the effective use of Teaching Methodologies in science, Technology and Mathematics to enhance students’’ learning outcomes. It x-rays the various teaching methodologies used by Instructors in Science, Technology and Mathematics classrooms that could be of significant impact on students’ academic performances. It highpoints the components of effective teaching methodology as one that take cognizant of learners abilities, hands-on-mind-on, heuristic active teaching, It concludes that teaching STM in Nigeria classrooms can be enhanced the more if the teacher adopts the active learning, critical thinking, creativity and innovations as elements of good teaching and this can be achieved via effective use of teaching methodologies in Science, Technology and Mathematics. It thus recommends that Government and Non-Governmental Organization should collaborate with teachers towards making materials available for effective and pragmatic STM teachin and learning.
3 D ISOMETRIC VIEW OF PALM KERNEL CRACKER AND SEPARATOR
INVESTIGADORES: Engr. Adikwanduaba
INSTITUCIÓN: Arena for contest in Science, Technology & Mathematics in Nigeria
Is a semi-automated mechanical device used for kernel cracking and Separation processes. It consists of an electric motor for the transmission of electromotive force via the use belts and pullies and a metallic housing and hammer for the kernel cracking. The separation unit, separates the kernel from its shell by a down wards spinning motion of the kernel nuts and its shells along the basket unit of the machine. The kernel shells fall out through the openings along the basket unit while the kernel nuts are collected at the discharging point of the basket.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A BARCODE BASED ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE
INVESTIGADORES: Amos David Onyebuchi, Anene Chukwuemeka B. & Dr. Chukwudi E. Agbaraji.
INSTITUCIÓN: Arena for contest in Science, Technology & Mathematics in Nigeria
This project centers on the design and constructionof a secured voting system which utilizes the barcode technology. The Electronic Voting Machine aims to improve the election voting process and eliminate vote rigging by providing a unique barcode Identification Number to an individual. The system was developed to use a computer system, a barcode scanner, microcontroller and LCD display. It allows the user to scan his/her voter ID over the barcode scanner, in order to check his/her eligibility by comparing his current ID with the one already stored in the system’s database. Once the voter completes the identification process, he/she will be allowed to cast vote. The system counts the votes automatically and displays the results on the LCD display; this makes the voting process efficient, fast, and secure.
COPOLAR INVERTER
INVESTIGADORES: Azubuike Ezeh
ASESOR: Tomás Bandeworde
INSTITUCIÓN: Federal Polytechnic, Oko / Department of Electrical / Electronic Engineering
Power inverters convert direct current (dc) power to alternating current (ac) power. They require efficient components in place to enable them work for a long time, reduce total power dissipated during operation, supply maximum output power at full voltage and reduce machine noise. This work deals with the design of a single phase Copolar Inverter for distributed power conversion from dc energy sources like batteries and photovoltaic cells to ac power, and from ac sources like the National Grid Mains and wind turbine to dc power. It is a pure sine wave inverter that converts power signals from 48Vdc to 240Vac and vice-versa. The active ingredient in this device is the D1047 power transistor working with a special excitation transformer. D1047 transistor is a high power NPN epitaxial planar bipolar transistor manufactured by STMicroelectronics. It has a high breakdown voltage VCEO = 140V, high switching frequency/speed of 20MHz and maximum operating junction temperature of 150. Special baked clay made up of 2% fire clay, 10% earthenware, 2% stone ware, 1% porcelain, and 87% perspex clay is used to choke the base of all the switching transistors to make sure there is no power loss or overheating. The same clay product is used to form the base of the wind turbine to prevent power leakage. Other components that make up the Copolar inverter include relays, contactors, step-up and step-down transformers, a set of rectifier diodes and of course batteries which is the dc power source. The excitation transformer is locally wound to fit into the power capacity requirement. All these combine to make the Copolar inverter able to supply power for a long time without overheating or breaking down. This is the outstanding difference between Copolar inverter and other inverters in the market.
EXTRACTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HAND SANITIZER PRODUCTION.
INVESTIGADORES: Obiora Joy Ogechukwu
ASESOR: Tomás Bandeworde
INSTITUCIÓN: Science Lab Technology Department
Hand sanitizer is a liquid or gel generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands. Formulations of the alcohol-based type are preferable to hand washing with soap and water in most situations in the healthcare settin. It is generally more effective at killing microorganisms and better tolerated than soap and water Hand washing should still be carried out if contamination can be seen or following the use of the toilet The general use of non-alcohol based versions has no recommendations. Outside the health care setting, hand washing is generally preferred They are also less effective for microorganisms norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. They are available as liquids, gels, and foams.
Alcohol-based versions typically contain some combination of isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol. Versions that contain 60 to 95% alcohol are most effective.[6] Care should be taken as they are flammable. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer works against a variety of microorganisms but not spores. Some versions contain compounds such as glycerol to prevent drying of the skin. Non-alcohol based versions may contain benzalkonium chloride or triclosan.
AUTOURMATED MACHINE
INVESTIGADORES: Adi Terlumun Thomas Peter Pilayube, Tyav Isaac, Agber Joseph, Abnyam m. Hir.
INSTITUCIÓN: NKST Secondary School, Adikpo, Benue State
Road crashes are reported to have resulted in more waste of lives and property than even major communicable diseases and other sundry aliments put together. Researches conducted on Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) attribute 85% of road accident cases to human factor. This is explained to involve cases of broken down vehicles parked without a sign or with a visibly poor sign that fail to notify other road users of a crash or a breakdown ahead in the direction of movement. Apart from the human factor Environmental factor is also said to be a contributing reason. Adverse weather conditions such as fog, darkness, rain, harmattan dust are all considered to be environmental factors. Owing to these two factors (human and environmental), the researcher thought of ways of reducing accident cases caused by the non-compliance with some road safety practices such as the non-use of an emergency triangle, and also improve the efficacy of the vehicle safety equipment necessary to give signal to other road users in event of a crash, under normal and abnormal weather conditions. For the purpose of this project, the designer has thought of a construction that will eliminate all inherent shortcomings identified with the usual ‘analogue’ vehicle warning triangle used by motorists. The device has been designed to have and automated operation; equipped with multi coloured LED display of the triangle and audio signals to draw quick attention, with the entire operation all dependent on the approaching source of light, and under all conditions.
MULTIPURPOSE MULTIPLE SAND CRETE BLOCK MAKING MACHINE FOR MASS HOUSING DELIVERY IN NIGERIA.
INVESTIGADORES: Mohammad Balteh.
INSTITUCIÓN: Department of Building Technology
Federal Polytechnic Bauchi.
The multiple sand crete block making machine is designed for the production of multiple block units at single loop of production, it has the ability for the production of different types of sand cement block units (225mm x 225mm x 450mm, 150mm x 225mm x 450mm, 100mm x 225mm x 450mm) and other cement products such as the interlocking paving units and cavity facing block units of different design. It has the capacity for the production of 3 units, 4units or 6units of 9”, 6” and 4” blocks in 20 seconds respectively. The product of this machine has good compaction and is found to have a compressive strength of 4.5 N/mm2. It has a vibrating plate for the vibration and compaction of paving blocks of up to 1m2. It operate by the means of AC current of 220Vv - 230V with a maximum power consumption of 7Kw.
BIO-METRIC CHECK-IN DEVICE FOR EXAMINATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION
INVESTIGADORES: Mushinwa Ikechukwu.
INSTITUCIÓN: Federal Polytechnic Bauchi.
The bio-metric check-in device was designed and constructed using a micro controller chip (ATMEGA 328), fingertip scanner module (LT546AD), 2x16 liquid crystal display (LED), (AMG 1233G), keypad input module, operational amplifier LM358, power regulator LM7805 resistors, capacitor actuator etc. these components were then arranged on a project board and connected accordingly to the circuit diagram. Later on the chip ATMEGA 328 was programmed using Arduino software. The circuit was then transfer onto a permanent board using appropriate soldering technique. It was cased using acrylic material. On completion it was test by some student bio-data (finger print) and later it was test run by asking those that were captured to place their finger on the sensor, they were given access by the device. While those that were captured (about 7) tried but were denied access into the examination Hall. The device is powered by a 220V AC, but this can be modified to operate with a DC source.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A LINE FOLLOWER ROBOT
INVESTIGADORES: Isaac Chukwuka Isaac, Ichie Kenneth Uduma & Dr. Chukwudi E. Agbaraji
INSTITUCIÓN: Arena for contest in Science, Technology & Mathematics in Nigeria
This project focuses on the design and construction of a line follower robot which can move automatically while following a particular line. The line follower robot is a microcontroller based robot which uses infrared optical sensor to track the line and move through the line. The microcontroller was programmed to control the movement of the robot using the input signal received from the infrared optical sensor. In order to power the robot, a Direct Current (DC) power supply was added into the circuitry to make the robot a single unit which can travel far distances through the line without wire limitation restriction. The system was successfully tested and it moved and followed the line accurately. Line follower robot can be applied in many areas of human activities such as in the industries for repetitive jobs through the lines, for security, hospitals, in restricted areas than can be dangerous for humans to operate in.
ELECTRIC CAR WITH BRAKES, SEAT AND BUMPER MADE FROM WASTE(COW HOOF) & COCONUT DEHISCING MACHINE
INVESTIGADORES: Nwosu Pius Chinedu
INSTITUCIÓN: Arena for contest in Science, Technology & Mathematics in Nigeria.
1. Metallic plates and pipes which are light in weight, and strong have been used to make this electric car. Cow hoof was collected as waste materials, washed, dried, grinded into powder and bonded together with a binder to form the bumper, seats and brake pads for the car. Solar panels connected to inverter systems with light batteries were used to power an DC motor (prime mover). Finally, an electric car which is light in weight was produced.
2. Based on the need to improve the productivity in the production of coconut oil and other by-products of coconut, the dehiscing machine has been produced to aid the peasant farmer in achieving improved productivity.
Mild steel square and rectangular pipes are used with proper dimensions, welded together to form a frame. Conical spikes are produced and welded on two cylindrical pots welded on the top of the frame. Gears are attached at one end of the two cylinders, arranged to mesh such that one, which is driven by an electric motor, drives the second gear, as shown in the drawing below.
GAME BASED LEARNING AS AN ANTIDOTE FOR BIOLOGY TEACHERS TO MITIGATE THE DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED IN TEACHING ABSTRACT BIOLOGY CONCEPTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
INVESTIGADORES: Ogundiwin Oluyemi Akinleye & Olumide Olubukola Joyce.
INSTITUCIÓN: University of Ibadan, Faculty of Education, Teacher Education Department
This article provides a brief review of the recent advancements in incorporating Game based learning approach into biology classrooms. We begin with an overview of recent literature that shows that Game learning can improve students’ performance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education disciplines (especially in abstract concept in Biology). We then discuss how this approach can be particularly useful when teaching abstract topics in biology. Next, we describe some of the recent initiatives to develop Games as hands-on activities in qu biology. Throughout the article we provide resources for educators who wish to integrateGame based learning and technology into their classrooms.
ENCOURAGING NEW INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES IN SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
INVESTIGADORES: Prof. Alice Morenike Olagunju & Dr.Omolola O.Oloyede.
INSTITUCIÓN: Department of Science, Mathematics &Technology Education
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
The development of any society in our modern world is dependent largely on the ability of that society to adopt quality Science Technology and Mathematics Education, and to produce adequate number of individuals who are innovators and critical thinkers that can make concerted efforts to solve our national problems for better living. However, it has become imperative that teaching be modified for the learners not only to obtain mastery of the subject content (knowledge) but equally possess the ability and skills in using and applying this acquired knowledge in tackling challenges and solving problems wherever they may arise in the society. This paper therefore highlighted the effects of appropriate teaching strategies on learners’ acquisition of knowledge, attitude and skills in relation to the growing changes in the society. As way forward, the paper also takes a cursory look into what obtains in science and the rise in inventions worldwide and how innovative strategies that are practical oriented could encourage students in inventions. The various ways of enhancing children’s interest in ICT tools were also highlighted. Recommendations were advanced with special focus on STEM teachers’ training on ICT based tools. Finally, the procedures for intimating and exposing children to these tools were also pointed out. Finally, the training of teachers would go a long way to enhance their delivery mode and encourage students in inventions, which would eventually bring about sustainable national development.
DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF POULTRY FEED MIXER
INVESTIGADOR: Yahaya Y. Shallangwa.
INSTITUCIÓN: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Nigeria.
The design, construction and performance evaluation of the poultry feed mixer was carried out at Ramat polytechnic Maiduguri, Nigeria using locally available materials. It was evaluated and affirmed that the machine can mix up to 550 kg/hr of ingredients. It has an efficiency of 87.16% degree of mixing, and requires less time for feeding. The cost of design and construction of the machine with prime mover was ninety six thousand five hundred naira only (N96, 500), which is affordable to the small farmers, although this machine has been designed with high standard in mind, there is however possibility of human error, therefore, any criticism regarding to the enhancement of the outlook and general performance of the machine is accepted.
DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF GRASS CHOPPER/MILLING MACHINE
INVESTIGADOR: Usman Mohammed Ishaq.
INSTITUCIÓN: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Nigeria.
The design, construction and performance evaluation of the grass chopper/miller was carried out at Ramat polytechnic Maiduguri, Nigeria using locally available materials. It was evaluated and affirmed that the machine can chopped 350 kg/hr with 93.92% chopping efficiency. The cost of design and construction of the machine with prime mover was one hundred and seventy five thousand five hundred naira only (N175, 500), which is affordable to the small farmers.
DESIGN, FABRICATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A MOTORIZED MAIZE SHELLER
INVESTIGADORES: Yunusa Usman Mamza
INSTITUCIÓN: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Nigeria
Reducing post-harvest losses is a central task to ensure food security and increase income of small and medium scale farmers as well as to facilitate food availability in local and international markets. The low-cost maize sheller was designed, fabricated and evaluated in Ramat polytechnic Maiduguri, Nigeria with maximum performance. The major components of the machine include the main frame, hopper, shelling chamber, shelling drum, shaft, sieve (concave), grain discharge unit, cob discharge unit and the prime mover (175 diesel engine 6hp). The performance evaluation was carried out at varying moisture content (10%, 15% and 20%) and engine speed (400 rpm, 450 rpm and 500 rpm). The percentage of shelled maize and mechanical damage ranged from 98.42– 9.23% and 0.97-1.58% respectively. The shelling capacity of the machine was between 417-425 kg/h with 97.5 -98.92% shelling efficiency. A moisture content of 10% and engine speed of 500 rpm shows high shelling capacity, less mechanical damage and high shelling efficiency. The cost of design and fabrication of the maize sheller was ninety one thousand naira only (N91, 000) without prime mover, which is affordable to small and medium scale farmers.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF IMPROVED LARGE SCALE METAL-BRICKS STOVES FOR COMMUNITY BASED INSTITUTION
INVESTIGADORES: A.A. Ibrahim & B.G. Danshenhu.
INSTITUCIÓN: The Polytechnic Sokoto & Sokoto Energy Research Centre, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
In this study, a performance evaluation of three identical Large Scale/Community-based improve metal-brick stoves were carried out. These stoves were constructed using using black, red and combined mixture of black-red clays respectively. These stoves were developed at the Sokoto state polytechnic, Sokoto and their performances were compared with other stoves, namely SERC-UDUS, Centre for Renewable Energy Research (CeRER), OXFARM, and traditional three stone stove. The three stoves and other stoves developed by other institutions in Nigeria, namely, SERC, CeRER and OXFARM were subjected to water boiling and cooking tests using a biomass fuel (wood – fuelled heating system). The results have indicated a good performance values in terms of percentage heat utilization of the stoves relative to the traditional three stone model of cooking and water heating with percentage wood energy utilized for black, red and combined black-red stoves to be 33.7%, 32.2% and 35.9%; the corresponding time savings were 36%, 35% and 40% respectively. Equally, the specific fuel wood consumption of 0.18kg, 0.20kg and 0.17kg were realized over the traditional. However, a lot of improvements need to be considered. Other advantages include a well channeled or directed smoke exit, less cooking duration, and serve as reference document on government policies on fuel wood energy matters.
Biochemical Assessment of Biomass from Chlorella Vulgaris Grown on a Solar Powered Raceway Pond
INVESTIGADORES: Saidu, I., Aminu Y. Z. & Abubakar,M.
INSTITUCIÓN: Dept of Science Laboratory Technology, Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto & Dept. of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Federal University, Gusau.
Over a long period of time, Microalgae has been used in the production of animal feed, cosmetics, polymers and cosmetics, but recent interest in the use of Microalgae in the production of biofuels was motivated because microalgae can accumulate as much as 70% of the dry weight large lipid fractions and other compounds. This paper attempt to study the cultivation of chlorella vulgaris on a solar powered raceway pond taking note of parameters like cell count, pH and electrical conductivity. Followed by estimation of Proteins, Carbohydrates and Lipids from the dried biomass.
FABRICATION OF A MULTIPURPOSE SOLAR DRYER FOR PRESERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
INVESTIGADORES: Salihu Bala Tajiri, Abdu Tsoho, & Umar Muhamad Ahmad.
INSTITUCIÓN: Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Food preservation is very essential for human survival, since most food items are perishable and as such can get damaged if they are not properly preserved. There are different ways of preserving food items such as processing the food to a finished food and package it, putting the food items in the fridge, drying either slowly or quickly using fire or smoking. Sun has been utilized for some time now for different applications including cooking, heating, power generation as well as drying of food items. The research is to fabricate a multipurpose solar drier, so as to reduce the issue of wastage of food products through decay and attack by animals. This will go a long way to eradicating or reducing the wastage the farmers normally encounter when fresh food is to be kept for more than two days. The component has the capacity to rapidly eliminate moisture contents from fresh Agricultural produce in order to save them from damage. The result of the fabrication show that the starting temperature of the atmosphere was 38oC, while in the chamber was 40oC and the end temperature was 40oC for the atmosphere and 45oC for the chamber. The highest temperature is 45oC for atmosphere and 63oC for the chamber. The weight of the content outside reduced from 20kg to 15.70kg with efficiency of 21.5%, while the content in the chamber reduced from 20kg to 10,20kg with efficiency of 49%.
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF SOLAR-POWERED PESTICIDE SPRAYER ON WHEELS
INVESTIGADORES: Mindaudu Abdullahi & Bawale Ahmad.
INSTITUCIÓN: Dept. of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto & Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto.
Despite the abundance of oil, Agriculture remains the base of Nigeria’s economy; it provides employment for two-thirds of the country’s population. Pest and diseases and the use of agricultural technology are some of the notable problems facing the sector. Small scale farmers still use usual methods of spray to control the menace of pest and diseases, which are associated with health and environmental problems as well as time consuming and laborious. Design and fabrication of solar-powered sprayer was done to come up with a sprayer capable of utilizing direct energy from sunlight while allowing for the use in farms to spray pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, defoliants and fertilizers to agricultural crops. The sprayer is working on a simple technology, economical and environmentally friendly.
DEVELOPMENT OF YAM PEELING AND SLICING MACHINE FOR YAM PROCESSING PLANT
INVESTIGADORES: Ibrahim Bawale, Salihu Bala Tajiri & Verah A. Ogaga
INSTITUCIÓN: Mechanical Eingineering Department, College of Engineering, Umaru ASli Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
Yam is a very important food and cash crop usually grown in most country of west Africa, even most other parts of Africa. It is a root or better called tuber crop, with succulent root and rope-like strand which climb on any nearby tree or shrub and cover it up. It is used as a starch food and for other industrial uses such as production of starch. It is annual in nature in the sense that it grow up and die at the end of rainy season. Yam is processed for many purposes, such as eating as cooked yam, preparation of pounded yam, drying and production of flour, and production of starch. The processing is done either locally or in industrial level for the various purposes. Knives are used for cutting or slicing the raw yams or cooked yam for the various purposes locally after peeling. The purpose of this fabrication is to replace the use of hand in peeling and slicing yams for processing purposes. The peeling has the capacity to peel four yams at a time and can take 8 minutes approximately to peel the four yams. The slicing chamber can slice a tuber at a time and is within some seconds.
STABILIZATION OF SUB-GRADE MATERIALS USING CEMENT AND CHARCOAL
INVESTIGADORES: Jubril Ayinde Waheed & Adeyemi Job Durojaye
INSTITUCIÓN: Department of Civil Engineering, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Soil stabilization is used to strengthen road surfaces by enhancing the weight bearing capabilities of in-situ subsoil, sands and other waste materials. The research focuses on four main objectives, the first one is to evaluate the index properties of sub-grade materials stabilized with some of 6% cement and 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% charcoal simultaneously, while the other important part is how to minimize the excessive usage of the cement in this purpose and try to use other materials which can do the same job, one of these materials is the charcoal, its production and consumption is increasing yearly which quite large amount. Charcoal is such a geosynthetic material which is easily available, eco-friendly and also cost effective. With the application of soil stabilization technique in construction process the overall cost may get reduced when compared to the ordinary method of construction. Charcoal consist of 42% silica form the XRF test conducted, this is why it is a fair replacement for silica in soil stabilization, silica is considered to be a great binding agent along with cement, however due time its price is increasing, so new materials are used for the purpose of geotechnical works. For reliability result the following index properties were determined; to determine the Atterberg limits, maximum dry density, optimum moisture content and CBR of the soil without additives, another is to determine the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of the soil with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% charcoal and 6% cement as additive and lastly compare the results between the sample with additives and the sample without additives to determine what is the change that occurred. The tests are Atterberg limits test, grain size analysis, proctor compaction test and CBR test.