New Era University

High School Department

FAAP ACSU-AAI LEVEL III Re-accredited
No.9 Central Ave, New Era, Quezon City 1107, Philippines

DIY LED FLASHLIGHT

(GRAPHITE PENCIL AS AN ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR)

An Investigatory Project Presented to Engr. Joemar Silao,

Integrated School – Senior High School

New Era, Quezon City

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the requirement for General Physics 2 of
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Strand

Samantha Amante
Christine Pe Benito Ducat
Gian Lester B. Joaquin
Rhea Juyad
Joshua Lozano
John Carlo Onasco
Irish Ponce
Dexter Reyes
Arvin Felix Rodrigo
Marjorie Tamayo

February 2018
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to thank first of all is GOD ALMIGHTY for providing all

the needed strength and blessings to successfully finish this research, and also to all the

members who contributed in some ways, and continuously gives hope and inspiration to

accomplish this study.

ENGR. JOEMAR SILAO, the beloved professor of the researchers who never

stops guiding and remembering the right way to successfully finish this research, and for

giving advice and comments about the weaknesses of the proposed study to enable to

accomplish this study successfully.

To the respondents who gave the researchers a chance to gather sincere and

truthful answers and cooperated well for this research.

Lastly, to the parents of the researchers who never stops supporting and

encouraging everyone for the success and good outcome of this research.
 THESIS ABSTRACT

Title : DIY LED FLASHLIGHT (GRAPHITE PENCIL AS AN ELECTRIC

CONDUCTOR)

Author: Amante, Samantha; Ducat, Christine Pe Benito; Joaquin, Gian

Lester; Juyad, Rhea; Lozano, Joshua; Onasco, John Carlo; Ponce,

Irish; Reyes, Dexter; Rodrigo, Arvin Felix; Tamayo, Marjorie

Course: 12 STEM AM - 4

School: New Era University IS

This study aims to find out the importance of DIY in our lives such as

making a LED Flashlight from the materials that are available within our

resources at our homes. The materials used are Pencils, 9v Battery, 9v Battery

Connector, Mini Switch, LED light and connecting wires which most of them are

from recycled materials. Weighted Mean is used to evaluate the results of the

proposed system and a Four-point scale was integrated to the evaluation forms

of which the respondent answered according to their evaluation. Researchers

used evaluation method for the study to gather data from eight (8) respondents

and three (3) evaluators who are experts at the field of electrical engineering that

evaluated the product on how it results in relation to accuracy, reliability, user

friendliness, and effectiveness.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Acknowledgment …………………………………………………………. 2
Abstract …………………………………………………………………… 3

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Introduction ……………………………………………………….. 8
Background of the Study ………………………………………….. 9
Review of Related Literature …………………………………….. 10
Theoretical Framework …………………………………………… 20
Conceptual Framework …………………………………………… 21
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………. 23
Hypothesis ………………………………………………………….. 24
Scope and Limitations ……………………………………………... 24
Significance of the Study ………………………………………….... 25
Definition of Terms ………………………………………………... 27

CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
Research Design ……………………………………………………. 29
Population and Sampling ………………………………………….. 29
Sources of Data ……………………………………………………... 31
Data Gathering Procedure …………………………………………. 31
Data Analysis ………………………………………………………… 32
 CHAPTER 3: RESULT
Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data ……….….. 33

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION
Summary ……………………………………………………………. 50
Conclusion …………………………………………………………... 52
Recommendation ……………………………………………………. 52
References ……………………………………………………………. 54

APPENDICES
 New Era University
High School Department
FAAP ACSU-AAI LEVEL III Re-accredited
No.9 Central Ave, New Era, Quezon City 1107, Philippines

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Nowadays, economic situations, multi-media, and the need for creativity are some

of the pressing reasons that gave birth to the concept of ‘Do it yourself or (DIY)’.

Do it yourself or (DIY) has become a popular method of building, modifying,

or repairing things without the direct aid of experts or professionals. Academic research

describes DIY as behaviors where "individuals engage raw and semi-raw materials and

component parts to produce, transform, or reconstruct material possessions, including

those drawn from the natural environment (e.g. landscaping)". DIY behavior can be

triggered by various motivations previously categorized as marketplace motivations

(economic benefits, lack of product availability, lack of product quality, need for

customization), and identity enhancement (craftsmanship, empowerment, community

seeking, uniqueness). (Wikipedia)

An article on Medium Corporation titled “5 Reasons How Do-IT-Yourself (DIY)

Legal Documents is Making it Easy for Startups” written by Harshit Parekh last 2016, the

term "do-it-yourself" has been associated with consumers since at least 1912 primarily in

the domain of home improvement and maintenance activities. The phrase "do it yourself"
had come into common usage by the 1950s, in reference to the emergence of a trend of

people undertaking home improvement and various other small craft and construction

projects as both a creative-recreational and cost-saving activity.

The question now is ‘Do you DIY?’ There are so many things to embrace

about making things by hand – the ingenuity, the dedication, the mistakes, the financial

savings, the customization, the gift giving possibilities, the skills learned, and lessening

the environmental footprint by reducing, reusing, recycling and repurposing items. Most

importantly it makes things fun.

In fact, the popularity of the DIY concept has become so widespread that its

importance cannot be overemphasized. One, DIY helps you to have appreciation for the

things you have and the systems that make it possible. The flip side to enjoying the things

you make yourself is discovering how challenging and time-consuming it can be to make

them. Second, it provides an opportunity to use your hands and your brain. Human beings

evolved opposable thumbs for a reason. The sense of reward you get from making

something with your hands can’t be earned any other way. It’s obvious that people learn

faster from “hands-on” experience than they do watching someone else do something.

Third, it has become a path to freedom. In this era of economic uncertainty, DIYers have

learned not to rely as much on governments and corporations to take care of them. DIY

can provide a certain degree of freedom from depending on others for everything you

need.
 One not so important tool given the present technology, as it can be easily bought

anywhere is flashlight. Given the frequency and gravity of calamities recently seen,

everyone, anywhere and at any time has to be prepared. One important DIY is flashlight

making. No matter how many features your flashlight has, the bottom line is any flashlight

is better than no flashlight. This is especially true during an emergency, on your next

adventure trip or working on an appliance or the vehicle.

Power outages are an ever frequent problem resulting from an overtaxed power

grid that is strained during peak power demand or knocked out of commission during a

severe storm that resulted in downed power lines from fallen trees. Fortunately, most

power outages do not last long in most case. Regardless of duration they are at minimum

an inconvenience and in severe cases a significant problem that can compound an

emergency situation.

During a power outage a flashlight is the single most important item to have. Not

only to act as a beacon to your loved ones, but also to help you navigate your way around

– even your own home can feel surprisingly alien from the darkness. Your flashlight will

not only help you gather all of your loved ones together, with some helpful power outage

supplies. It also help you to find other essentials such as candles and other light sources.

Obviously, during a power outage there is no electricity, which means the wifi, television

and so on will be out of action. This means you will have to rely on more traditional forms

of entertainment, all of which can be enhanced with a flashlight.

A pencil is a pencil, right? Artists quickly learn that this statement is not true and

there is a variety of graphite pencils to choose from. Graphite is a pure carbon substance,
where three of its valence electrons are covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms,

forming a layered structure. However, the fourth valence electron is left unbonded, and

thus is able to move freely. These valence electrons allow the flow of electricity through

the substance in certain directions when an electrical current is applied to graphite.

The “lead” in pencil is, contrary to its name, predominately made up of a

combination of graphite and clay, with wax and other additives in small quantities. Clay,

unlike graphite, is an insulator: that is it does not conduct electricity well, due to the

covalent bonds holding valence electrons tightly in place. The shade of pencil is

dependent on percentage of each component. Pencils range from 9H, with 41% graphite

and 53% clay, to 9B, with 93% graphite and 1% clay (Everything2 Media, 2012).

Given that graphite is more conductive than clay, as the concentration of graphite

increases, the conductivity should increase. The resistance of an object, a measure of

the conductivity of a circuit component, can be calculated using Ohm’s law, which

considers electrical resistance as the ratio of the voltage applied to the current which

flows through it, or the degree to which the voltage is resisted (Equation 1): 𝑅 = 𝑉𝐼 Where

R = resistance (Ω), V= voltage (V) and I = current (A) (Nave, 2001).

The device constructed by the researchers is a LED flashlight which are made from

the convenient at home. It consists of pencils which has graphite that conducts electricity,

a 9v battery, a 9v battery connector that was recycled from a used 9v battery, a mini

switch, and an LED light that was also recycled from a used lighter with a small LED

flashlight. The other materials used are some connecting wires, glue gun and glue sticks

to assemble the components but a simple tape or electric tape is also possible.
 The essence of using the availability of resources at home to create something

useful and creative can open many doors of possibilities, innovations and creativity.

Considering the graphite in the pencil conducts electricity can produce a simple

emergency LED flashlight at home which is a good alternative in today’s world.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of the project is to discover and learn the possibilities of DIY like

flashlight making. Particularly, the usability, practicability and effectivity of a graphite

conducting electricity. It aims to answer the following questions:

1. Why such project is important to learn?

2. What the materials to be used and preparations to be made?

3. What usability practicability effectivity can be determined from the project?

4. What improvements can be done to make the project a better one?

Objectives of the study

1. To appreciate the uses of available materials in our homes that can be made into

an emergency device like flashlights.

2. To learn the importance of DIY through graphite conduct electricity.

3. To explore on possibilities that would improve further the project.

Significance of the Study

The findings of the study will be of great benefit to the following:

Students. By making DIY’s it can give fresh ideas and creativity to the students

and to innovate more. By doing hands-on activities by themselves can activate

many skills from the students. The future result of the proposed study will lead to

further learning and information to students.

School. In school, hands-on activities are very informative and one of the best way

to learn. The result is beneficial for the purpose of more knowledge needed by the

students in many relations to the present study.

Society. Being knowledgeable in case of emergency situations can save lives,

making a simple flashlight in case of power outages is really a big help for the

people in our society, especially if it is within our accessibility of materials at home.

The proposed study can be the subject for further studies and can also be

beneficial in future discussions.

Inventors/Researchers. It would allow researchers to answer questions related

to the study for the purpose of answering theories related to the study is applicable

material relevant. It can also open a door to explore on possibilities that would

improve further the project.

Scope and Limitations

The researchers created this project to open doors for self-hands-on activities or

DIY such as a LED flashlight made from the convenient at home. The materials are mostly

accessible at home and some are recycled.

The investigatory project was conducted by ten students from STEM AM-4 at New

Era University for Physics II subject. The study focuses on the essence of DIY and how

graphite particularly in the pencil is a good conductor in generating electricity.

The project used a 9v battery as the source of energy. And a 9v battery clip will be

used for the connection of the main source to the components of the device such as the

switch and the graphite in the pencil. A mini rocker on-off switch is for the control of usage

of the device is greatly convenient for the user and is connected to the main source and

the conductor. A sharpener is used for the pencils for the graphite to be exposed in the

both ends of each. The graphite in the pencil will be served as a conductor in generating

electricity from the battery in producing energy to light the LED light. The LED light that is

used is from a small led flashlight from a lighter.

Definition of Terms

DIY – or Do-It-Yourself is a method of building, modifying, or repairing things by

yourself without the help of someone.

Graphite – it is the most stable form of Carbon and is usually what pencils are

made of that also conducts electricity.

Clay - a natural earthy material that is plastic when wet, consisting essentially of

hydrated silicates of aluminum: used for making bricks, pottery etc...

LED – or light-emitting diode and LED light is a two is a light source which uses

semiconductors and electroluminescence to create light.

Lead – is a heavy, soft bluish-grey metal that occurs naturally in the earth's crust.

And is used in the manufacture of many consumer products such as pipes,

sheeting, and as filler in the automobile body industry. Commonly it is mistaken

that pencil is made up of lead but it is really made up of graphite.

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED STUDY

This chapter presents the reviewed literature and studies from foreign as well as

local authors and writers.

Literature

The Literature presented herein Illuminated researcher on how to proceed with

this study.

Samuel D. Collins (2016) proposed that Fabricating Low-Cost Ionic-Organic

Electronic Ratchets with Graphite Pencil and Adhesive Tape Ionic-organic ratchets are

asymmetric devices that allow for the generation of electrical power from electromagnetic

noise signals by means of a charge pump mechanism. Here we present a new low-cost

and flexible ionic-organic ratchet, based on aluminium foil and adhesive tape with graphite

pencil-drawn source and drain electrodes. Two different electrode configurations are

considered that allow the AC frequency response of the ratchets to modulate over two

orders of magnitude.

Murilo Santhiago (2017), proposed a Direct Drawing Method of Graphite onto

Paper for High-Performance Flexible Electrochemical Sensors. A simple and fast

fabrication method to create high-performance pencil-drawn electrochemical sensors is

reported for the first time. The sluggish electron transfer observed on bare pencil-drawn

surfaces was enhanced using two electrochemical steps: first oxidizing the surface and

then reducing it in a subsequent step. The heterogeneous rate constant was found to be

5.1 × 10–3 cm s–1, which is the highest value reported so far for pencil-drawn surfaces.
Then the origin was mapped to record performance by atomic force microscopy, X-ray

photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results suggest that the

oxidation process leads to chemical and structural transformations on the electrode

surface. As a proof-of-concept, the modified the pencil-drawn surface with Meldola’s blue

to electrocatalytically detect nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). The

electrochemical device exhibited the highest catalytic constant (1.7 × 105 L mol–1 s–1)

and the lowest detection potential for NADH reported so far in paper-based electrodes.

Yashar Bashirzadeh (2016), proposed fabrication of microchannels and

associated electrodes to generate electrokinetic phenomena often involves costly

materials and considerable effort. In his study, he used graphite pencil-leads as low cost,

disposable 3D electrodes to investigate various electrokinetic phenomena in straight

cylindrical microchannels, which were themselves fabricated by using a graphite rod as

the microchannel mold. Individual pencil-leads were employed as the micro-electrodes

arranged along the side walls of the microchannel. Efficient electrokinetic phenomena

provided by the 3D electrodes, including alternating current electroosmosis (ACEO),

induced-charge electroosmosis (ICEO), and dielectrophoresis (DEP), were demonstrated

by the introduced pencil-lead based microfluidic devices. The electrokinetic phenomena

were characterized by micro-particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV) measurements and

microscopy imaging. Highly efficient electrokinetic phenomena using 3D pencil-lead

electrodes showed the affordability and ease of this technique to fabricate microfluidic

devices embedded with electrodes for electrokinetic fluid and particle manipulations.

Davoud Haghshenas (2011), proposed nucleation and growth of Pd nanoparticles

during electrocrystallization on pencil graphite. The aim of his study was to investigate
the mechanism of palladium electrodeposition on a pencil graphite surface from an

aqueous solution containing 1 mM PdCl2 and 500 mM H2SO4. Cyclic voltammetry

revealed that the electrodeposition process proceeds via an initial underpotential

deposition (UPD) and subsequently, it follows by the overpotential deposition (OPD)

under diffusion control. Current transients showed a complex deposition trend, i.e. the

electrodeposition of Pd includes at least three stages: adsorption on the surface, and two

types of nucleation courses; two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) which

limited by the lattice incorporation of Pd adatoms and the diffusion of Pd ions,

respectively. Therefore the electrocrystallization of Pd on pencil graphite conforms to the

Stranski–Krastanov growth mechanism. Furthermore, theoretical models were applied to

evaluate each of above mentioned stages for different electrode potentials and to

estimate the electrochemical parameters of Pd electrodeposition. The micrographs of

electrodeposited Pd at relatively high frequency of the nucleation rate, illustrated a well

dispersed Pd nanoparticles with a relatively narrow size distribution.

Ali Naeemy (2016), electrooxidation of zolpidem and its voltammetric quantification

in standard and pharmaceutical formulation using pencil graphite electrode. In hisistudy,

a new, simple, precise, accurate and economic electrochemical method was developed

and validated for the voltammetric determination of zolpidem (ZP) using disposable pencil

graphite (PG) electrode. The anodic oxidation of ZP on the surface of the PG electrode

was examined in a britton robinson (BR) buffer. Square wave and cyclic voltammetry were

used as electrochemical techniques in the potential range of 0-1.2 V in the pH 8 BR buffer.

In cyclic voltammetry studies, the diffusion coefficient of ZP oxidation was found to be

3.6×10-6 cm2 s -1. On the other hand, the ZP has shown a well-defined irreversible
anodic peak at 0.98 V in the square wave voltammetry mode. The PG electrode, primarily

being graphite which has a large active surface area gives rise to increasing peak current

with respect to ZP electrooxidation. PG electrode showed an electrocatalytic effect in

anodic oxidation of ZP. A linear relationship between catalytic current response and ZP

concentration was obtained over a concentration range of 10-30 µM with R.S.D. values

ranging from 0.29 -3.89. Limits of detection and quantitation were found to be 1 and 3

µM, respectively. Finally, the PG electrode was successfully used to determine ZP in

standard and tablet dosage forms with a mean recovery of 100.69 %.

RELEVANCE OF LTERATURE AND STUDIES REVIEWED TO THE PRESENT

STUDY

The present study delves across aforementioned areas in the related studies. It provided

the researcher with valuable information about graphite in pencils as conductor of

electricity. With this vast studies of information many can benefit especially those living in

provinces where money for proper electricity are both a scarcity.

The focus is on making our everyday life worthwhile by exploring possibilities such

as flashlight making through the use of pencils as sources of graphite, making it as a

conductor of electricity. And on how this simple do-it-yourself (DIY) can be a source of

light especially in times of emergency.

Conceptual Framework

DIY

LED PENCIL 9V BATTERY 9V MINI

LIGHT SWITCH
CONNECTOR BATTERY

GENERATES
ELECTRICITY

LED
FLASHLIGHT

Figure 1.
 Figure 1 illustrates the conceptual framework that guided the researchers in

making the study. It presented the materials needed to demonstrate the making of a LED

FLASHLGHT.

Level 2 shows the effect of successfully putting all the materials together according

to where the pieces should be connected to each other.

Level 3 presents the result/outcome of the activity. As seen from many studies, light

as produced is expected.
 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter tackles the design and question of the research, and also the different

methods used in the study. This chapter also explains where source of the data gathered

was and the processes of the study to have output.

Project design

This section of this chapter will discuss the project design. It will explain the totality

of how the project brought up. The device is consists of two pencils which contained

graphite that conducts electricity and two of them are used for it exhibits polarity, a 9v

battery for it is the main source of the device to light up, a 9v clip which connects the

battery to the pencil and the switch, a mini rocker on-off switch is for the control of usage

of the device is greatly convenient for the user and is connected to the main source and

the conductor, and the LED light that is used is from a small led flashlight from a lighter

that will serve as flashlight upon the device.

A sharpener is also used to sharpen the pencils for the graphite to be exposed in

the both ends of the pencils. These variables will undergo procedures such as prepare

the prototype, assemble the components by the use of glue gun or a tape is also possible

and extra wires for some necessary connections that are insufficient in making the device.

The project was designed for a simple DIY which is a big factor in the availability of the

components that are easily at the convenience at our homes and for emergency

situations.
 Input
Process Output
Pencil, LED light, 9v
Battery, 9v Battery Clip, Generates Electricity LED Flashlight
and a Mini Switch

The figure above shows the input which are the variables: Pencil, LED light, 9v Battery,

9v Battery Clip, and a Mini Switch that possess to process of generating electricity that

makes an output of an LED Flashlight.

 Figure 3.1

Design of the Product

The project design, shown in figure 3.1, shows how the product is made. The

design is accessible by one hand is user-friendly. The device is easy to make and in

assembling the materials the following are used; connecting wires, glue gun, glue sticks

(tape or electrical tape is also possible and cheaper) which are all available at home.
 The two pencils are sharpen at both ends for the graphite to be exposed and

conduct electricity. The LED light, which is from used lighter with LED flashlight is

connected to the graphite The 9v Battery is serving as the main source of the device and

a 9v Battery Connector is attached so it can connect the 9v Battery to the graphite and

the switch. The Mini Switch is attached to the bottom of the battery and is connected to

the battery and the graphite so it can be convenient to control the usage of the device for

the user.

Project Components

Various materials were collected for the research study. The components are

mainly available at home such as pencils, battery, glue gun or tape and a mini switch.

The 9v Battery Clip was from an old 9v Battery and the LED light that was used is from a

lighter with a small LED flashlight and the sharpener and small wires are also at home.

Pencils

The pencils will serve as the main component for this project. The researchers will

use the pencils to conduct electricity that will make the LED light. And the two pencils

SHOULD BE SHARPEN ON BOTH ENDS for the graphite inside will be exposed.
 Figure 3.2

Pencils

Battery

9v Batterry is used as one of the main component for this project. The main source

of the device is the 9v battery and if not, the voltage should be same as the voltage of the

LED light.

Figure 3.3

Battery
Led light

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a two is a light source which uses semiconductors and

electroluminescence to create light. The LED light that is used upon this project is from

an old lighter with a small LED flashlight.

Figure 3.4

Led light

9v Battery Clip

This connector makes it easily connect the 9v battery the other components of this

project such as the mini switch and the graphite in the pencil. The 9v Battery clip was

from a used 9v Battery at home.

Figure 3.5
9v Battery Clip
Mini Rocker On-Off Switch

The mini rocker on-off switch is for the greatly convenient control of usage for the

user and is connected to the main source or the battery and the graphite of the pencil.

Figure 3.6
Mini Rocker On-Off Switch
Connecting Wires

The connecting wires served as a minor component in the study. It is used to in

the connection of the in capabilities of the other components to connect. It was utilized

especially by the use of GLUE GUN and GLUE STICKS in assembling the device.

Figure 3.6
Connecting Wires
Project Development

Rubber Bands for Electricity

Project Need Project Construction Project Conclusion

 Pencils The process starts when the Through the graphite of the

 9v Battery energy from the 9v Battery is pencil that conducts

 LED light conducted by the graphite of electricity, it can make an

 9v Battery Clip the pencil to lit up the LED emergency flashlight. that

 Mini Rocker light to serve as an will learn the importance of

On-Off Switch emergency flashlight. DIY in considering the

 Connecting Wires availability of the resources

at home is creative and

important.

Table 3.1

The essence of using the availability of resources at home to create something

useful and creative can open many doors of possibilities, innovations and creativity.

Considering the graphite in the pencil conducts electricity can produce a simple

emergency LED flashlight at home which is a good alternative in today’s world.

Project Construction

The device (prototype) of the Alternative LED Flashlight Conducted by Graphite

for electricity consists of the following components:

1. Pencils

2. 9v Battery

3. LED light

4. 9v Battery Clip

5. Mini Rocker On-Off Switch

6. Connecting Wires

Figure 3.7

Preparing the Pencils

As shown on the figure in Figure 3.7, the pencils are sharpen both sides for the

graphite to be exposed on both ends so it can be measureable by a multimeter.

 Figure 3.8

Testing the Resistance of the Pencils

As shown on the figure in Figure 3.8, after sharpening the both ends, the graphite

inside is exposed and is now measurable by the multimeter. The researchers saw the

resistance of the pencil in the multimeter and concludes that graphite is really a conductor

of electricity and is also a resistor.

 Figure 3.9

Attachment of the Materials

As shown on the figure in Figure 3.9, the researchers attached the following

materials, the pencils, the 9v battery, the 9v batter connector and the mini switch at the

bottom of the battery. It was assembled by the use of glue sticks and glue gun for the

compaction of the materials.

 Back View Front View
Figure 4.0

The Connection

As shown on the figure in Figure 4.0, after the assembly of the materials, the

researchers used glue gun and glue sticks in connecting the following wires of each

component:

1. The 9v Battery Connector

i) Attach wire to the one side of the tip of the graphite

ii) Attach wire to the one side of the switch

2. The Mini Switch

i) Attach one wire to the other tip of the graphite.

 Figure 4.1

The Assembly of LED

As shown on the figure in Figure 4.1, for the final piece of the device, the LED light

that the researchers used is too short, so the researchers improvised by using some old

burn-out LED light’s foot to attached to the present LED light. The LED light is glued to

the two ends of the graphite that will complete the device. Before gluing the LED, try to

attach first and open the switch and see if it light up, if it doesn’t try to flip over the sides

because remember that there is a polarity in LED lights.

Applications:

This project emergences the concept of DIY by creating LED Flashlight conducting

electricity by the graphite of the pencils and uses available resources at home which is

essential in today’s world.

a. Emergency lighting.

This project can be used for emergency lighting as it can conduct electricity by the

graphite of the pencils and generate electricity. It is possible to use in emergency cases

where electricity is not available and lighting is really needed. The construction is also

easy and convenient as the materials can be conveniently at home or even recycled.

Testing and Operation

Trial and Error. In this procedure, the researchers tried, repeated, and diverse

attempts of different processes which are continued until success. It is essential method

of solving problem for hardware; also, a heuristic method of repair, tuning, or obtaining

knowledge.

Performance and Analyzing Operation. Researchers tend to test the product as

part of performance engineering that is performed to check some of the quality attributes

of hardware like efficiency, stability, reliability, availability of the project propose.

Performance testing is carried out by performance students’ researchers. The

researchers analyzed how the project will work. The performance testing checks how well

the hardware works in anticipated and peak workloads.

Project Evaluation Method

The researchers evaluated the project by selecting expert sampling as the sampling

technique of the study. It is a type of purposive sampling, a technique in which the

researchers will have a respondent that is selected based on their specialization and

expertise. Also, it is mainly beneficial wherever there is a deficiency of empirical evidence

in an area and high levels of ambiguity, as well as situations where it may take a long

period before the findings from research can be uncovered.

The study had eight (8) respondents and three (3) evaluators who had are experts

at the field of electrical engineering that evaluated the product on how it results in relation

to accuracy, reliability, user friendliness, and effectiveness.

Weighted Mean is used to evaluate the results of the proposed system and a Four-

point scale was integrated to the evaluation forms of which the respondent answered

according to their evaluation.

Eq 3.1 Formula for Weighted Mean

The formula for the weighted mean is shown in Equation 3.1, where WM is the

weighted mean, Y is the scale value, F is the frequency of response and N is the total

number of respondents.
Table 3.2

Four Point Rating Scale

Rating Description Range

4.0 Very Good 3.26 - 4.00

3.0 Good 2.51-3.25

2.0 Bad 1.76 – 2.50

1.0 Very Bad 1.00 – 1.75

Table 3.2 shows the scale that the researchers used for the evaluation of the

respondent to the software. The highest level of the scale is 4 (Very Good) which is

marked as 3.26-4.00 followed by 3 (Good) 2.51-3.25. The third highest scale is 2 (Bad)

that rates from 1.76-2.50. The last is 1 (Very Bad) with a rate of 1.00-1.75.

Researchers used evaluation method for the study to gather data from electrical

experts through distributing questionnaires that involved questions that is concerned for

performance checking of the study.

 Chapter 4

RESULT AND FINDINGS

This chapter discusses project description, project structure, project capabilities and

limitations and project evaluation.

Project Description

This project is an eye opener of the importance of DIY in our lives. The experience

of building, modifying, and repairing something by yourself without any aid from others is

truly a knowledgeable and fun experience of a life time. And making such projects like

making a small LED flashlight from the materials that are recycled and within our reach

at home is our objective. The device is primarily constructed from pencils. The pencil lead,

contrary to its name, contains no lead but is actually made up of graphite. Graphite is a

good conductor of electricity, which allowed the power from the power source (the battery)

flow through easily in the pencil circuit to light up the LED. Graphite is an allotrope of

carbon (like a diamond) that contains delocalized electrons (free electrons) because each

carbon atoms only contain three covalent bonds with other three carbon atoms.. These

electrons can move through the graphite, carrying charge from place to place under the

influence of an applied electric field and allowing graphite to conduct electricity. The

wooden part of the pencil served as the resistor. The designed prototype had its own

protection (the wooden part), the graphite, and storage of the accumulated energy which

is in the battery.
 The materials used in this project are graphite (pencil), power source from a

battery, battery connector, LED light and a light switch. The graphite, which is the main

component in this project serves as the medium and conductor of electricity. It is where

the energy from the battery made it possible to flow producing light from the LED. The

battery, with the accurate amount of voltage is the power source in the prototype.

The application of the study therefore, is to make the energy flow through the

graphite. The graphite is an alternative tool for an electric circuit that is essential for any

applicable applications.

Project Structure

This section illustrates how the product is constructed.

Figure 4.2

Product’s Front View

 The figure 4.2 shows the product’s front view, where you can see the LED light is

attached to the lead of two pencils.

Figure 4.3

Product’s Top View

In the figure 4.3 shows the top view of the product, where you can see that the

battery is in between of two pencils. Also, we can see the switch in the bottom of the

battery.
 Figure 4.4

Product’s Isometric view

The figure 4.4, it demonstrate how the product is being illustrated in Isometric view,

where you can view the product in different angles.

Figure 4.5

Product’s Whole Structure

In the figure 4.5 reveals the whole structure of the product.

 Project’s Requirements

Table 3.4

GRAPHITE IN GENERATING ELECTRICITY SPECIFICATIONS

Components Minimum Used Recommended

Pencil 2 pieces 2 pieces 2 pieces

battery 5V-12v 9V 9v-12v

Battery connector 5v-12v 9V 9v-12v

Mini switch 1 Piece 1 Piece 1 piece

LED light 0.5v-12v 4.5v 12v

Based on Table 3.4, investigators include main components of the project,

minimum requirements, used features, and recommended features for the use of

components. Pencil’s minimum requirements are 2 pieces, the investigators used 2

pencils, and the recommended is also 2 pieces. Battery used contains 9 volts, and the

minimum requirements of the battery are 5 volts to 12 volts. The recommended battery

contains 9 volts to 12 volts. The battery connector is the same of the minimum

requirements, used features and recommended features of the battery. The minimum

requirements and the recommended features of the mini switch is 1 piece, so the

investigators used 1 piece of mini switch. The last component is LED light, the minimum

requirements are 0.5V-12V, the investigators used a LED light that has 4.5V, and the

recommended is 12v.
 Project’s Requirements

Table 3.5

GRAPHITE IN GENERATING ELECTRICITY SPECIFICATIONS

Components Minimum Used Recommended

Pencil 2 pieces 2 pieces 2 pieces

battery 5V-12v 9V 9v-12v

Battery connector 5v-12v 9V 9v-12v

Mini switch 1 Piece 1 Piece 1 piece

LED light 0.5v-12v 4.5v 12v

Based on Table 3.5, investigators include main components of the project,

minimum requirements, used features, and recommended features for the use of

components. Pencil’s minimum requirements are 2 pieces, the investigators used 2

pencils, and the recommended is also 2 pieces. Battery used contains 9 volts, and the

minimum requirements of the battery are 5 volts to 12 volts. The recommended battery

contains 9 volts to 12 volts. The battery connector is the same of the minimum

requirements, used features and recommended features of the battery. The minimum

requirements and the recommended features of the mini switch is 1 piece, so the

investigators used 1 piece of mini switch. The last component is LED light, the minimum

requirements are 0.5V-12V, the investigators used a LED light that has 4.5V, and the

recommended is 12v.
Project Capabilities and Limitations

The device is capable of conducting electricity with the right amount of voltage from

the power source to produce light energy. The difference of this project to the other project

is that the investigators developed an alternative conductor of electricity instead of the

commonly used electric wire using graphite and the power coming from a battery. The

amount of energy that can be generated in this product depends on the battery used and

the resistance from the wood part of the pencil. Thus, the battery should be in good

condition so the product can work properly.

Yes, the pencil that we use in our day-to-day activities can be used as a conductor

and resistor in electrical networks. The graphite in the pencil is a semi-metal and a good

electric conductor. Plus, it’s easily obtainable and can be recycled for reuse.

The main components of the study are composed of graphite (pencil), battery and

a LED light.

Project Evaluation

In this section, the discussion of the evaluation of the project occurs. The data were

analyzed and interpreted by the investigators. There were eleven (11) respondents and

evaluators in this particular project, each of one has accredited knowledge and has a

mastery level of understanding in this particular field. The investigators distributed an

evaluation form with questions that helps to determine the performance of the product.

Each question was very important for functionality checking in the application of the

device.
 The evaluation form was handed to the respondents and evaluators that consist of

questions that are related to the criteria. The criteria are as follows: Accuracy, Reliability,

User-Friendliness, Efficiency, and Portability.

Data and Results

Project Evaluation Results

85%
84%
83%
82%
81%
80%
84%
79% 83%
82%
78% 81% Project Evaluation Results
77%
78%
76%
75%

Figure 4.4

Data and Results

Figure 4.4 shows the data gathered by the researchers in terms of the product’s

accuracy, reliability, user-friendliness, efficiency and durability. Evaluation results are

84% Accuracy, 82% Reliability, 78% User Friendliness, 81% Efficiency and 83%

Portability.
 Chapter 5

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

This chapter contains the summary, conclusion of the study that is made by the

investigators/researchers, and the recommendation to modify and improve the project.

Summary

The DIY or Do It Yourself has become a popular method of building, modifying,

or repairing things without the direct aid of experts or professionals nowadays as

economic situations, multi-media, and the need for creativity are some of the pressing

reasons that gave birth to this concept. )". DIY behavior can be triggered by various

motivations previously categorized as marketplace motivations (economic benefits, lack

of product availability, lack of product quality, need for customization),

and identity enhancement (craftsmanship, empowerment, community seeking,

uniqueness).

Given the frequency and gravity of calamities recently seen, everyone, anywhere

and at any time has to be prepared. One important DIY is flashlight making. No matter

how many features your flashlight has, the bottom line is any flashlight is better than no

flashlight. This is especially true during an emergency, on your next adventure trip or

working on an appliance or the vehicle.

The main materials used in the project are; a 9v battery as the source of energy.

And a 9v battery clip will be used for the connection of the main source to the components
of the device such as the switch and the graphite in the pencil. A mini rocker on-off switch

is for the control of usage of the device is greatly convenient for the user and is connected

to the main source and the conductor. A sharpener is used for the pencils for the graphite

to be exposed in the both ends of each. The graphite in the pencil will be served as a

conductor in generating electricity from the battery in producing energy to light the LED

light. The LED light that is used is from a small led flashlight from a lighter.

The difference of this project to the other project is that the investigators developed

an alternative conductor of electricity instead of the commonly used electric wire using

graphite and the power coming from a battery. The amount of energy that can be

generated in this product depends on the battery used and the resistance from the wood

part of the pencil. Thus, the battery should be in good condition so the product can work

properly.

Results from the evaluation were from evaluators with sufficient knowledge about

the project. The project got high percentage in its evaluation results as the evaluators

found it accurate, reliable, user-friendly, efficient, and portable.

Conclusions

This part discusses the conclusion made by the investigators per statement of the

problem. Based on the statement of the problem “Why such project is important to learn?”

the investigators concluded that the project is important as this kind of project can help

people in community especially when emergency occur. Power outages are an ever

frequent problem resulting from an overtaxed power grid that is strained during peak

power demand or knocked out of commission during a severe storm that resulted in

downed power lines from fallen trees. The device can be used as a temporary measure

for unexpected emergency power outage. Aside from that, the project using graphite can

be a help for other development in other field of science such as making our devices

smaller, faster, and more energy efficient in the future.

In the statement of the problem “What are the materials to be used and

preparations to be made?” the investigators used pencils which has graphite that

conducts electricity, a 9v battery, a 9v battery connector that was recycled from a used

9v battery, a mini switch, and an LED light that was also recycled from a used lighter with

a small LED flashlight. The other materials used are some connecting wires, glue gun

and glue sticks to assemble the components but a simple tape or electric tape is also

possible. The 9v battery is the source of energy. And a 9v battery clip will be used for the

connection of the main source to the components of the device such as the switch and

the graphite in the pencil. A mini rocker on-off switch is for the control of usage of the

device is greatly convenient for the user and is connected to the main source and the

conductor. A sharpener is used for the pencils for the graphite to be exposed in the both

ends of each. The graphite in the pencil will be served as a conductor in generating
electricity from the battery in producing energy to light the LED light. The LED light that is

used is from a small led flashlight from a lighter.

In the statement of the problem “What usability practicability effectivity can be

determined from the project?” the investigators have concluded that the usability,

practicability, effectivity of the project is that the voltage produced from the energy to the

voltage needed to light the light bulb and the energy conducted by the light on the subject

of accuracy is ace. With respect to the reliability of the project to conduct light and

generate electricity is of high quality.

For the statement of the problem “What improvements can be done to make the

project a better one?” the investigators concluded that in order to improve and create a

higher quality project, is to refine the prototype and to list of all the components needed.

Making sure all the wiring is double-checked. And to have access to a workbench and

proper tools, to be able to construct a decent working prototype, provided that your

creation is exceptional.
Recommendations

The investigators recommend to the future researchers/investigators must

accumulate more data on how graphite as a conductor function for better outcomes. And

to open a way to investigate on potential results that would enhance the project.

In the case of dealing with the prototype’s fidelity. The first thing that needs to be

addressed is the level of fidelity that will be used throughout the process of creating the

graphite as a conductor of electricity. It is advisable to not apply too much fidelity

prematurely in the process for it will waste time and money.

Since the gadget is equipped for delivering negligible and little measure of energy,

it is prescribed to use a capacitor to store the delivered energy. Subsequent to putting

away the energy, this filled in as the hotspot for any application that is basic and can be

utilized when it comes in need. The gathered energy in this task can be used in various

applications (e.g. conduction of light).

Investigators recommend that the school must provide practical activities that are

exceptionally useful and an outstanding approach to learn studies on different types of

energy projects—as well as innovative approaches in implementing and financing DIY

projects such as the graphite as an electrical conductor.

For the community, the investigators recommend the community on organizing

seminars about DIY projects (e.g. graphite as an electrical conductor) in remote areas

and isolated islands whose marginalization is increased by a lack of electricity. To create

more responsive and joined up ways of working using existing structures to harness the

power and knowledge of local communities.

 The investigators recommend that students must be educated if there should be

an occurrence of crisis circumstances can spare lives, making a straightforward DIY

projects such as, graphite as an electrical conductor in an event of energy blackouts, is

extremely a major help for the general population in our general public, particularly in the

event that it is inside our openness of materials at home. Enabling students to be agents

of change, ready to shape the course of their own lives by practicing this project.