Improvised Centrifuge: An Equipment for Separating Mixtures

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the most cited problems of public schools in the Philippines has been the lack of adequate science laboratory apparatuses comparable in Ulango Integrated School. This occurs as a result of the inability of schools to meet the cost of these materials due to insufficient funds to purchase all the necessary equipment and apparatus needed for science teaching. Also, schools where materials and equipment are available still encounter the problem of insufficiency of these materials due to the increase enrolment of students. Defective equipment's and school appliances can be recycled in many ways. Improvisation or Substituting Integrated Science materials are clearly an effort towards cost reduction in Integrated Science teaching. It involves teachers making use of available and recyclable materials as substitute for laboratory equipment where necessary.

METHODS

Scrap materials and defective appliances can be used to construct an improvised laboratory apparatus. An old electric fan and other scrap materials can be used and converted into an improvised centrifuge. Construction of Improvised Centrifuge costs less and gives benefits with regard to lessening the bulk of waste/scrap materials generated in school. The Improvised Centrifuge can successfully separate mixtures of substances at different rating time scale. It revealed the positive assessments and acceptance on the accuracy, correctness, flexibility, user of Improvised Centrifuge.

RESULTS

Results show that the improvised centrifuge can perform well and cost less. Positive assessment in the accuracy, correctness, usability, flexibility, and user-friendliness will be given by all Science Students from Ulango Integrated School. T-test will be used to compare the responses on the assessments made.

DISCUSSIONS

To construct an improvised centrifuge from scrap materials, a defective electric fan will be used. Defective electric fan motor will be repaired and scrap metals, wood, used stainless curtain rod will be cut, shaped and welded to the electric fan motor casing. This will be painted and attached to a base made of wooden block, metal block with cement and rubber matt. A 5-gallon mineral water container will be used as cover to protect the improvised centrifuge. The main reasons for conducting the study is to solve inadequate number of apparatuses to deepen learner's critical understanding in doing inquiry-based learning.