Igbaras National High School

SPECIAL PROGRAM IN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

Igbaras, Iloilo

Chapter 3

Research Design and Methodology

This chapter describes the research design, the subject of the study, the materials the

instruments in the study, the data gathering procedures, and the data processing techniques.

Research Design

This study employed the experimental method of research using Randomized Control

Trial (RCT). In this design, the subject would be randomly assigned to different groups, each

using a different oxidizer. The groups were tested in a controlled environment with the same

rocket design and launch conditions, allowing for a comparison of a combustion time and thrust

generated by each oxidizer. An experimental method was employed in the study it is a problem-

solving approach where variables are carefully controlled and manipulated. Experimental studies

are designed to test the hypothesis concerning the cause-effect relationship and represent the

most valid approach to the solution of the problem, both physical and theoretical

(Calmorin,1994). This design fits the study as it sought to determine the efficiency of Malabar

Spinach in terms of color, consistency and capability as an ink for thumb stamp.

Subject of the Study

Malabar Spinach or Ceylon spinach, commonly known as alugbati is a vegetable which

belongs to Basellaceae family. It is a fast-growing vegetable, native to tropical Asia (India or

Indonesia) and extremely heat tolerant. It is commonly grown for its young shoots which make
 Igbaras National High School
SPECIAL PROGRAM IN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
Igbaras, Iloilo

an excellent succulent, slightly mucilaginous vegetable. It is high in Vitamins A, B9 and C, iron

and calcium (Grubben and Denton, 2004). Alugbati is a very productive leafy vegetable, suitable

for both home and market garden in the lowland tropics (Siemonsma and Piluek, 1994). Its

thick, semi-succulent, heart-shaped leaves have a mild flavor and mucilaginous texture. Daily

consumption of Malabar Spinach has been shown to provide vitamin A especially in populations

that are at high risk of vitamin A deficiency (Haskell et al., 2004). A number of medicinal

applications have been reported: young leaves as laxative, pulped leaves to poultice sores, red

fruit juice as eye-drops to treat conjunctivitis. The red forms are likewise planted as ornamental.

A need to increase its form likewise planted as ornamental. A need to increase its production it

seen as potential means of solving nutrition problem in a cheaper way as Malabar Spinach is

very easy to grow without much inputs.

One cultural management practice employed to increase yield of vegetables in mulching.

Mulches are natural (straw, sawdust herbage and other materials) or synthetic (polyethylene in

different colors) materials placed on the soil surface. This are well known for modifying the

energy and water balance at the surface of soils creating more favorable conditions for plant

growth. Direct affects include increased in soil temperature (Farias-Larioset et. al., 1994),

decrease in moisture loss from the soil, prevention of weed development (Borosic, et al., 1998),

control of soil-borne pathogens, and reduced insect/pest populations (Farias-Larios and Orozco-

Santos, 1997). Mulching is considered as an agrotechnical procedure which can significantly

modify microclimate around plants (Siwek et al., 2007). Application of mulches beneficially

influences soil structure, reduces negative effect of wind and water erosion, and decreases soil

warming in summer months (Holderbaum et al.,1990).

 Igbaras National High School
SPECIAL PROGRAM IN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
Igbaras, Iloilo

Favorable microclimatic conditions created by mulching can ensure, among other things,

higher yields, products of better quality or/and earliness, as well as a more cost-effective

production. The use of mulches is known to be worthwhile being an important reason for the

crop’s quality and productivity improvement (Fontanettiverdial et al., 2001).

Materials and Instrumentation

To make ink for thumb stamps, we will be needing ink pigment, medium container,

mixing tools includes small spatula or stirring stick for mixing the pigment and medium,

measuring tools includes measuring spoons or droppers for precise measurements, if needed,

optional additives like glycerin can be added to improve ink flow, and gum arabic can be added

for better adhesion.

 Igbaras National High School
SPECIAL PROGRAM IN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
Igbaras, Iloilo

Experiment Proper

Data gathering procedures for creating an ink stamp pad from Malabar Spinach fruit

involve several phases. In Phase I, materials are prepared by gathering and plucking Malabar

Spinach fruit, washing the fruit, and searing it. Additionally, an empty small container and a

scrub sponge are gathered for the ink pad. Ingredients include 1 cup of Malabar Spinach fruits,

1/2 tablespoon of gum arabic, and 4 drops of thyme oil.

In Phase II, the Malabar Spinach fruit extract is prepared by crushing the fruits in a

mortar and pestle, then squeezing the juice through a clean cloth. The texture is thickened by

straining the juice, adding gum arabic, stirring to create a thick paste, and finally adding thyme

oil and allowing it to cool.

Phase III involves making the ink stamp pad by washing and drying the container,

measuring and trimming the scrub sponge to fit inside, and gluing it into the container. The final

step is to put a few drops of ink on the sponge until the color spreads evenly without being too

wet or too dry.