Mussel Shells as an Effective Raw Materials in the Production of

Chalkboard

An Investigative Project

Presented to:

Ms. Renalyn P. Sabunod

Pasig Catholic College

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements in Science 9

Submitted by:

9 – Diocese of Bacolod

Aquino, Earl John P.

Cayas, Chester John

Nono, Jomell Andrei E.

July 11, 2019

 Chapter 1

The Problem and its Settings

Background of the Study

Mussel is the common name used for members of several families of bivalve

mollusks, from saltwater and freshwater habitats. These groups have in

common a shell whose outline is elongated and asymmetrical compared with

other edible clams, which are often more or less rounded or oval. There is a

high content of calcium carbonate in mussel and oyster shells, which can be

used in the formulation of medicine, in construction or as filler in polymer

materials. Not everyone enjoys mussels, but those who do benefit from a

hefty dose of nutrition in each serving. Mussels contain 146 calories per 3-

ounce serving, and also supply 20.23 grams of protein. Most of the 3.81

grams of fat are in the form of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, making them

a nutritious addition to your diet. Filipinos eats mussels also known as

“Tahong”, in special occasions because mussels aren’t cheap. Mussel shells

are commonly disposed or thrown away after consuming their meat. In this

investigatory project, the researchers chose this topic to determine the

possibility of mussel shells as an effective alternative raw materials in the

production of chalkboard. Most of the public schools in the Philippines are

still using chalk for writing on the blackboard in teaching their students. Kids

use chalk to express their imagination in mind. The researchers believe this

research could be really useful.

Statement of the Problem

Chalks are used in writing information in a blackboard. It is a lot cheaper

that markers, but it can only be bought in bookstores. Mussel shells as

chalkboard, this will help recycle the mussel shells so that we wont have to

buy chalkboard. We want to know if it is effective for daily use.

This study aims to determine the Effectiveness of Mussel shells as an

alternative raw materials in the production of chalkboard.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following question:

- What is the difference between the mussel shells chalkboard and

commercial chalkboard in terms of:

a. texture

b. color

c. retention of the chalk on the board

d. durability

e. its effectiveness as chalkboard

Hypothesis of the Study

As for the hypothesis, the texture of the chalk would be a bit rough caused

by the powder of the mussel shells. The color varies on what color dye is

used and where would the chalk be written on. As we see on commercial

chalks found at our bookstores, they are very brittle so assume that our

chalk would be brittle as well. Most chalkboards are flat surfaces used for

teaching, the mussel shell chalk’s effectiveness would depend on how rough

or smooth the surface is.

Significance of the Study

According to Neves (1998); Boron (2004), the use of these types of

shells as an alternative source for calcium carbonate that it may reduce the

impact on the natural reserves of limestone that is a non-renewable natural

source, our study implies that with this we can contribute reducing the use

of a non-renewable source using other alternatives.

Furthermore, this research would benefit people who use chalkboard

for teaching, arts and creativity, and much more. This study will benefit

them by saving them money, they wont have to go to a bookstore to buy

chalks, this will lessen their trash. This research would help the environment

by simply recycling the empty mussel shells after consuming whats inside, if
every family in the world has been recycling mussel shells, they could’ve

help recycle and earn and save money by making chalkboard.

Finally, the research is also significant for future researchers. Future

researchers may look into the recommendations made in this research in

order to further develop, correct, and look into other improvements for the

research on other alternatives for the production of chalkboard.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

By recycling mussel shells into chalkboard this can save money by not

buying chalks at the nearest bookstores and earn money by selling these.

This idea is has its own limitations because chalkboards aren’t being used

that much anymore because people tend to use markers than chalks and the

source where we get mussels are limited because it can only be obtained

near bodies of water and also because if the focus is on taking the shells of

mussels as chalk, it could lead to extinction because mussel shells are taken

from living mollusks.

Definition of Terms

To aid the understanding of the results and methodology in the research, the

terminologies used in the study are defined.

 Asymmetrical, It means having parts which fail to correspond to one

another in shape, size, or arrangement; lacking symmetry.

Bivalve, It is an aquatic mollusk that has a compressed body enclosed

within a hinged shell, such as oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops.

Calcium Carbonate, It is used to treat symptoms caused by too

much stomach acid such as heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion. It is an

antacid that works by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach.

Chalkboard, It is where chalks are used to write because it is mainly

used for teaching purposes in educational institutions

Elongated, It means unusually long in relation to its width.

Fragileness, It refers to the tendency of objects to break easily.

Mussel, It is the common name used for members of several families

of bivalve mollusks.

Polymer, It is a substance that has a molecular structure consisting

chiefly or entirely of a large number of similar units bonded together.

 Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Presented in this chapter is a synthesis of literature written by professionals

and different studies conducted which supports and are significant to the

present study being conducted by the researchers.

Related Literature

According to Neves (1998) Boron (2004) Moreover, the use of these shells

as an alternative source for calcium carbonate may reduce the impact on

thenatural reserves of limestone, a non-renewable natural source.

The Oxford Dictionary of Arts and Artists (2009) written by Ian Chilvers

stated that drawing material made from various soft stones or earths (or

lately from synthetic equivalents). There are three main types of natural

chalk: black chalk (made from the red ochre or other red earths); and white

chalk (made from various limestones). Chalk drawings are known from

prehistoric times, but the medium really came into its own in the late 15th

century, especially in the hands of Leonardo, who made many drawings in

red and black chalk. Some artists, notably Watteau, used black, red, and

white chalks in the same drawing. Synthetic, or ‘fabricated’, chalks are made

from powdered pigments mixed with a binding medium, then rolled or

pressed into sticks and dried, They were in use by the 17th century, but were

not common until the 18th century. Fabricated chalks are not always clearly
distinguished from crayons and pastels, and there is much ambiguity in the

historical literature of the subject. However, crayons, as the term is now

generally understood, are sticks of colour made with an oily or waxy binding

substance, and pastels are sticks of powdered pigment bound with gum,

producing a softer, more powdery effect than chalk.

Srisuphanunt, M; Wiwanitkit, Viroj; Saksirisampant, W; Karanis, P. Mussel

filter large volumes of water and can concentrate pathogenic organisms,

which may act as potential vehicles of transmission to the consumer. A

survey study was carried out to investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium

protozoan parasites in green mussels (Perna viridis), the smussle species

most destines for consumption in Thailand. IN total, 56 samples were

examined from Bangkok (n = 24) and Samut Prakan (n = 32) a wholesale

shell-fish markets located at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. The

market for green mussels was closed to the mussel culture placed along the

coastal line and this localization may have significant economical impact if

the mussels, cultures are found contaminated. Cryptosporidium oocysts in

green mussels’ population of Samut Prakan was higher (15.6%) than in

Bangkok market (8.3%). These differences in positive samples from two

locations may be caused by physical, ecological and anthropogenic

conditions. This could relay to different contamination levels of marine water

by Cryptosporidium oocysts and consequently to contaminations of

harvested shellfish populations. The results demonstrated that the

Cryptosporidium spp. Oocysts were found indigenous in mussel from the

coastal line of Thailand, indicating that mussels may act as a reservoir of

Cryptosporidium foodborne infections for humans.

Related Studies

Burley and Vadehra, 1989. Very early in the study of the shell, chemical

analyses showed that it is composed of about 97% calcium carbonate.

Pharmacology from NCIt. Calcium Carbonate is the carbonic salt of calcium

(CaCO3). Calcium carbonate is used therapeutically as a phosphate buffer in

hemodialysis, as an antacid in gastric hyperacidity for temporary relied of

indigestion and heartburn, and as a calcium supplement for preventing and

treating osteoporosis.

MeSH. Carbonic acid calcium salt (CaCO3). An oderless, tasteless powder on

crystal that occurs in nature. Calcium carbonate is used therapeutically as a

phosphate buffer in hemodialysis patients and as a calcium supplement.

According to Keith Greenhalf, University of British Columbia, Master of

Education Technology (2013) Chalk has been exploited by man for

thousands of years for both its physical and chemical properties. In its

simplest definition, chalk is just a soft rock that rubs off easily on other
rocks like slate. If we were to examine chalk with an electron microscope,

we would make an interesting discovery. Chalk is composed of millions of

tiny, soft calcite fragments (calcium carbonate) all crushed together under

pressure.