Biodiversity: Paper Charcoal as a Potential Source of Fuel

Team Biosphere #Earth

NIÑO, SANCHEZ & CABADING

12 – CONCRETE
AiTECH Grade 12 students seemed
preparing for Science difficult, but it was
challenging yet enjoyable for us.
Science Fair taught us to be more
knowledgeable and artistic. Thinking the topic
in the exhibit became easier because the
theme assigned to our team is EARTH. We
asked ourselves why didn’t we experiment
and create paper charcoals where these
charcoals are potential source of fuel and is
eco-friendly to Earth’s biodiversity. Through
testing and experimenting, we found out that
this paper charcoal can combust easier, lights
faster, and retains longer regardless of more ash produced. During the preparation, we had been in
Teresa, Rizal to learn how this charcoal will be made.
Preparing the materials needed was challenging because old newspaper is the most recommended
paper as a primary material. We went from junkshops to buy used newspapers or segregated already.
Since many of us reads newspaper infrequently, we decided to use white papers. We are thankful to
Miss Vitug because all papers used in our tangible product are from Faculty Room. Consequently, we
enjoyed making paper charcoals by grabbing mushy papers into ball-shaped and let them dry under the
sun for about two days.
Physics being applied behind the Science Fair exhibit
Before the exhibit, we created a 3 minute-video display discussing the importance of paper charcoal,
procedure making and the experimental combustion. So during the exhibit, we prepared a projector and
laptop showing to the visitors our team’s output. In relation to Physics concept, the slide is placed
behind the projector lens outside its focal length and is illuminated but a small but powerful source of
light. The amount of light from the source actually going through the transparent slide is increased by
using a condenser and a concave mirror. Without this instrument, we would be unable to show to
visitors, may be resulting to not appreciating our output. In addition, the rate of combustion per unit of
time is also applied here; grams per seconds lasted. On the video, we prepared 105 pieces of paper
charcoals and each charcoal weighs 300g multiplied by 105 is 31,500g in total. We started
experimenting at 5:52pm and charcoals became ashes at 7:04pm. Thus, it lasted for 72 minutes or
4,320 seconds. As an application to conversion, the rate of combustion is 31,500g/4320secs.
Arts as a contribution to Science Fair display-video
We focused on the paper charcoals. We experimented also the painted paper charcoal if would be still
combusted. As the video displays, each charcoal has different colors. Based on the test performed,
nothing has changed and did not affect the good atmosphere. It means that adding color/paint to the
charcoal gives creativeness that can be beneficial to visual appreciation as well. We added painted
charcoals to add liveliness throughout the video. In addition, editing clips to make a one-video output is
also an art. It is how to apply graphics to maintain creativity avoiding boredom when watching it. The
animation and transition of clips made visitors amazed, and also the color used on important texts or
details explaining the subject. Arts helped visitors in appreciating our Science Fair display video.