CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Project Title:Designing a Garden Fence using Geometry

Objectives:

I aim to apply geometric concepts to design a fence for our school garden, calculate the perimeter and
area of the garden to determine fence length and material needed, and develop problem-solving skills
using mathematical concepts.

Background:

Our school garden in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe lacks a fence, allowing animals to damage plants and
reducing harvest. This problem affects students, teachers, and staff who tend to the garden.

Problem Statement:

What design and materials can be used to create an effective fence for our school garden, considering
geometric concepts and available resources?
CHAPTER 2:

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Our school garden in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe currently lacks a fence, allowing animals to enter and
damage plants. This issue affects everyone involved in maintaining the garden, including students,
teachers, and staff.

The problem is happening right in our school garden, where we grow vegetables and flowers for
educational purposes and school events.

To address this issue, I plan to design a fence using geometric concepts to protect the garden and
calculate the materials needed.

My design will consider the following factors:

- The garden's perimeter and area will be calculated to determine the fence length and material
requirements.

- A scale drawing of the garden with the proposed fence design will be created.

- A list of materials needed, including posts, wire, and any other necessary components, will be
compiled.
CHAPTER 3:

INVESTIGATION OF RELATED IDEAS

To design an effective fence for our school garden, I researched existing fence designs and their
features.

I found four relevant fence designs:

1. Wooden Post Fence:

- Used in: Neighboring homes in Bulawayo

- Success level: 8/10 (durable but requires maintenance)

- Advantage: Aesthetic appeal

- Disadvantage: Prone to rot and insect damage

2. Wire Mesh Fence

- Used in: Local parks in Zimbabwe

- Success level: 9/10 (cost-effective and easy to install)

- Advantage: Low maintenance

- Disadvantage: Less visually appealing

3. Bamboo Fence

- Used in: Eco-friendly projects in Harare

- Success level: 8.5/10 (sustainable and durable)

- Advantage: Environmentally friendly

- Disadvantage: May require additional support

4. Metal Post Fence

- Used in: Commercial areas in Bulawayo

- Success level: 9.5/10 (strong and low maintenance)

- Advantage: Durable and resistant to damage

- Disadvantage: Higher cost

To design an effective fence for our school garden, I applied geometric concepts to the ideas generated:

1. Hybrid Wooden-Wire Mesh Fence

- Used trigonometry to calculate optimal post spacing (tan(θ) = opposite/adjacent)

- Applied Pythagorean theorem to determine wire mesh length (a² + b² = c²)

- Strengths: Durable, visually appealing, and cost-effective

- Weaknesses: May require occasional wood treatment

2. Bamboo-Wire Mesh Fence with Metal Posts

- Utilized geometric shapes (triangles, rectangles) to maximize fence stability

- Calculated perimeter and area of garden to determine fence length and material needs

- Strengths: Eco-friendly, durable, and low maintenance

- Weaknesses: Higher initial cost for metal posts

3. Recycled Plastic Fence with Wooden Posts

- Applied geometric principles to optimize post spacing and wire mesh layout

- Calculated angles and shapes to ensure fence stability and durability

- Strengths: Environmentally friendly, durable, and low maintenance

After evaluating the ideas generated in Chapter 4, I selected the Hybrid Wooden-Wire Mesh Fence for
development.

Justification:

- Combines durability of wire mesh with aesthetic appeal of wood

- Geometric calculations ensured optimal post spacing and wire mesh length

- Cost-effective and low maintenance

Development Process:

1. Calculated exact post spacing using trigonometry:

Assuming a triangular fence section with base (b) and height (h),

Area = 100m² = 0.5 by b by h

Let's assume b = 20m, then h = 10m (using Area formula)

2. Calculated hypotenuse (wire mesh length) using Pythagorean theorem:

a² + b² = c²

where a = height (10m), b = base (20m), c = hypotenuse (wire mesh)

c² = 10² + 20²

c² = 100 + 400

c² = 500

c = √500 ≈ 22.36m (wire mesh length for one triangular section)

3. Since the garden has an area of 100m², I'll assume two identical triangular sections:

Total wire mesh needed = 2 by 22.36m ≈ 44.72m

4. Created scale drawing of fence design with triangular shapes and angles.
CHAPTER 6:

PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

Implementation of Hybrid Wooden-Wire Mesh Fence:

The designed fence was successfully implemented around the school garden.

Key Results:

1. Fence Length: Total wire mesh used = 44.72m (as calculated)

2. Post Spacing:

Exact spacing of 10m between posts ensured stability

3. Cost:

Estimated cost of materials = ZWL $15,000 (approximately USD $400)

4. Time:

Installation completed within 3 days by school maintenance team

Garden Protection Results:

- No animal intrusions reported since fence installation

- Plant growth and health have significantly improved

EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS**

Evaluation:

The Hybrid Wooden-Wire Mesh Fence project was a success, achieving its objectives:

1. Protected the garden

No animal intrusions reported.

2. Cost-effective:

Materials cost ZWL $15,000 (USD $400), within budget.

3. Durable:

Fence withstood weather conditions and remained stable.

4. Improved plant growth:

Plant health and growth significantly improved.

Challenges Encountered:

1. Material sourcing:

Some materials were hard to find locally

Project Title:

Managing My Weekly Allowance

Objectives:

To create a budget plan, track expenses and savings, and make informed financial decisions.

Stage 1: Problem Identification

Statement of Problem:

I run out of money before week ends. This affects myself and my parents. The problem happens at
home and school.

Statement of Intent:

I will create a budget plan to manage my allowance.

Design Specifications:

I will use a notebook and pen to track expenses. I will categorize expenses into needs and wants. I will
review my budget plan weekly.
Chapter 2

Investigation of Related Ideas

I researched how others manage their allowance and found four common methods:

My friend uses a piggy bank to save coins, which has been successful in saving money but difficult to
track expenses. This method was used by my friend at home.

My sister creates a budget plan on paper, which helps her prioritize needs over wants but can be time-
consuming. This method was used by my sister at school.

My classmate uses a mobile app to track expenses, which is convenient but requires internet access.
This method was used by my classmate at home and school.

My brother allocates fixed amounts for needs and wants, which helps him avoid overspending but can
be inflexible. This method was used by my brother at home.

Each method has its strengths and weaknesses.

Generation of Ideas

Based on the methods I researched, I came up with four new ideas to manage my allowance:

I can use a combination of a piggy bank and a notebook to save coins and track expenses. This method
combines the strengths of saving money and tracking expenses.

I can create a budget plan on paper and use a mobile app to track expenses digitally. This method
combines the strengths of prioritizing needs and convenient tracking.

I can allocate fixed amounts for needs and wants, and also set aside a small amount for emergencies.
This method combines the strengths of avoiding overspending and preparing for unexpected expenses.

I can use a spreadsheet on my computer to track expenses and create a budget plan, which will help me
analyze my spending habits. This method combines the strengths of convenient tracking and data
analysis.

Each of these ideas addresses the weaknesses of the original methods and adds new features to make
managing my allowance more effective.
Chapter 4

Development of Selected Ideas

I have chosen the second idea:

"Create a budget plan on paper and use a mobile app to track expenses digitally."

Justification:

I chose this idea because it combines the strengths of both paper-based planning and digital tracking,
allowing me to prioritize needs, track expenses conveniently, and analyze spending habits.

Tools and Materials:

- Notebook and pen for paper-based budget plan

- Mobile phone with expense tracking app

- Calculator for calculations

Development Process:

1. I created a budget plan template on paper with columns for income, needs, wants, and savings.

2. I downloaded a mobile expense tracking app and set up categories for needs, wants, and savings.

3. I tested the app by tracking some sample expenses to ensure it works correctly.

4. I will use both the paper plan and mobile app to manage my allowance starting this week.

Chapter 5

Presentation of Results
I implemented my chosen solution - creating a budget plan on paper and using a mobile app to track
expenses digitally.

Results:

- I successfully tracked my income and expenses for one week using both methods.

- My paper budget plan helped me prioritize needs over wants.

- The mobile app allowed me to conveniently log expenses on the go.

- At the end of the week, I had saved 30% of my allowance.

Photos:

[Insert photo of paper budget plan]

[Insert screenshot of mobile app expense log]

Testing the Solution:

- I tested the solution by simulating unexpected expenses (e.g., buying a snack) and adjusting my budget
accordingly.

- The solution worked effectively, allowing me to adapt to changes.

Functionality Demonstration:

- I demonstrated the solution to my family members, showing how it helps me manage my allowance
efficiently.

Chapter 6

Evaluation and Recommendations

My project was a success. I managed to create a budget plan, track expenses, and save 30% of my
allowance.

Problems Faced:

- Initially, I had trouble remembering to log expenses on the mobile app.

- My paper budget plan got messy after a few days of use.

Solutions to Problems:

- I set reminders on my phone to log expenses daily.

- I transferred my paper budget plan to a digital spreadsheet for easier updates.

Recommendations:

- To further improve my allowance management, I recommend adding a category for long-term savings.

- I also suggest exploring other mobile apps with additional features, such as bill reminders and
investment tracking.

- Another idea is to involve my parents in reviewing my budget plan regularly for guidance and support.

Chapter 1:

**Project Title:**

Comparing Grocery Prices at Local Markets

To collect and analyze price data of common groceries at local markets, and identify the cheapest
options.

**Stage 1: Problem Identification**

I often buy groceries from local markets but struggle to find affordable options.

This affects my family's food budget and me personally.

The problem happens at three local markets near my home.

**Statement of Intent:**

I will collect price data of common groceries at these markets to compare prices and find the cheapest
options.

**Design Specifications:**

I will use a notebook and pen to record prices, visit each market once, and compare prices of 10
common grocery items.

Chapter 2

Investigation of Related Ideas**

I researched how others compare prices at local markets and found four common methods:
My neighbor uses a price comparison chart on paper, which helps identify cheapest options but can be
time-consuming to update. This method was used by my neighbor at our local market.

A friend uses a mobile app to scan barcodes and compare prices, which is convenient but requires
internet access. This method was used by my friend at various markets in town.

A family member asks vendors about prices and remembers them mentally, which is quick but prone to
errors. This method was used by my family member at our local market.

A classmate uses a spreadsheet on their computer to record and compare prices, which is organized but
requires computer access. This method was used by my classmate at markets near their school.

Each method has its strengths and weaknesses.

Chapter 3

Generation of Ideas**

Based on the methods I researched, I came up with four new ideas to compare grocery prices at local
markets:
I can create a hybrid method using both paper charts and mobile app scanning for convenience and
accuracy.

I can develop a simple questionnaire to ask vendors about prices and record answers on paper for easy
comparison.

I can use a camera on my phone to take photos of price tags and then compare them digitally later.

I can recruit friends to help collect price data at different markets and then combine our findings for a
comprehensive comparison.

Each of these ideas addresses the weaknesses of the original methods and adds new features to make
price comparison more efficient.

Chapter 4

Development of Selected Ideas**

I have chosen the first idea:

**Justification:**

I chose this idea because it combines the strengths of both paper-based recording and digital scanning,
allowing me to collect data efficiently and accurately.

**Tools and Materials:**

- Notebook and pen for paper charts

- Mobile phone with barcode scanning app

- Calculator for price comparisons

- List of 10 common grocery items to compare prices

**Development Process:**

1. I created a paper chart template with columns for item names, market names, and prices.

2. I downloaded a barcode scanning app on my phone and tested it with sample barcodes.

3. I visited each of the three local markets and recorded prices of the 10 grocery items on both paper
charts and the mobile app.

4. I compared prices digitally using the app and manually using the paper charts to verify accuracy.

Chapter 5

Presentation of Results**

I implemented my chosen solution - creating a hybrid method using paper charts and mobile app
scanning.
**Results:**

- I successfully collected price data for 10 grocery items at 3 local markets.

- My paper charts and mobile app data matched exactly, verifying accuracy.

**Price Comparison Findings:**

- Market A had the lowest prices for 4 items (bread, eggs, rice, milk)

- Market B had the lowest prices for 3 items (vegetables, fruits, meat)

- Market C had the lowest prices for 3 items (cooking oil, sugar, flour)

**Photos:**

[Insert photo of paper chart]

[Insert screenshot of mobile app price comparison]

**Testing the Solution:**

- I re-checked prices at each market to ensure accuracy.

- My solution worked effectively, allowing me to identify cheapest options.

Chapter 6

Evaluation and Recommendations**

**Evaluation:**
My project was a success. I collected and compared price data of 10 grocery items at 3 local markets,
identifying the cheapest options for each item.

**Problems Faced:**

- Initially, the barcode scanning app had difficulty reading some barcodes.

- My paper charts got slightly disorganized during data collection.

**Solutions to Problems:**

- I manually entered prices for items with unreadable barcodes.

- I reorganized my paper charts into separate sections for each market.

**Recommendations:**

- To further improve this project, I suggest expanding the list to 20 grocery items.

- I also recommend comparing prices at more local markets (at least 5).

- Another idea is to analyze price trends over time (e.g., weekly or monthly) to identify patterns.

Chapter 1

**Project Title:**

Creating a Realistic Household Budget Plan for a Family of Four

To design a budget plan that allocates income effectively, covers essential expenses, and allows for
savings.

**Stage 1: Problem Identification**

My family struggles to manage our monthly expenses, often exceeding our budget.

This affects our financial stability and causes stress.

The problem happens every month when we pay bills and buy groceries.

**Statement of Intent:**

I will create a household budget plan that categorizes expenses, allocates income wisely, and includes
savings.

**Design Specifications:**

I will use a spreadsheet to calculate income and expenses, categorize expenses into needs and wants,
and allocate 50% of income towards needs.

Chapter 2:

Investigation of Related Ideas**

I researched how other families manage their household budgets and found four common methods:
My aunt uses the "50/30/20 rule": 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings. This method is
simple but might not account for irregular expenses. She uses this method for her family of three.

A friend tracks every single expense using a mobile app, which is detailed but time-consuming. This
method helps identify areas for cost-cutting but can be overwhelming. My friend uses this method for
his family of four.

My parents use a budgeting software on their computer, which is organized but requires regular
updates. This method helps with long-term financial planning but can be complex. My parents use this
method for our family of four.

A neighbor allocates cash into envelopes for different expenses, which is visual but limited to physical
cash transactions. This method helps with budgeting for specific expenses but doesn’t account for digital
payments. My neighbor uses this method for her family of two.

Each method has its strengths and weaknesses.

Chapter 3

Generation of Ideas**

Research into household budgeting methods revealed opportunities for improvement. Four potential
approaches were considered:
A hybrid method combining the "50/30/20 rule" with regular expense tracking could offer simplicity and
detail.

Utilizing budgeting software with mobile app integration could provide organization and convenience.

Allocating funds into digital "envelopes" for specific expenses could enhance visual budgeting while
accommodating digital payments.

Creating a custom spreadsheet with automated calculations could offer flexibility and accuracy.

Each approach addresses limitations of existing methods and offers potential benefits for effective
household budgeting.

Chapter 4

Development of Selected Ideas**

The hybrid method combining the "50/30/20 rule" with regular expense tracking was selected for
development.

**Justification:**
This approach offers a balance between simplicity and detail, allowing for effective allocation of income
and identification of areas for cost-cutting.

**Tools and Materials:**

- Spreadsheet software for calculations and tracking

- Mobile app for regular expense logging

- Calculator for initial budget setup

**Development Process:**

1. Created a spreadsheet template with income allocation categories (50% needs, 30% wants, 20%
savings).

2. Set up mobile app to track daily expenses and categorize them accordingly.

3. Calculated initial budget based on monthly income and expenses.

4. Tested system by tracking expenses for one month to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

Chapter 5

Presentation of Results**

The hybrid budgeting method was implemented and tested for one month.

**Results:**
- Income allocation:

- 52% for needs (housing, food, utilities)

- 28% for wants (entertainment, hobbies)

- 20% for savings

- Expense tracking revealed:

- $200 monthly savings from reduced dining out

- $150 monthly savings from cancelled subscription services

- Budget accuracy: 95% of actual expenses matched projected amounts

**Screenshots and Photos:**

[Insert screenshot of spreadsheet budget]

[Insert photo of mobile app expense log]

**Testing and Validation:**

- Budget was reviewed weekly to ensure accuracy and make adjustments.

- Results were shared with family members to ensure everyone understood the budget.

Chapter 6

Evaluation and Recommendations**

**Evaluation:**

The hybrid budgeting method was successful in allocating income effectively, reducing unnecessary
expenses, and increasing savings.
**Challenges Encountered:**

- Initial difficulty in categorizing expenses correctly

- Occasional forgetfulness to log expenses on mobile app

**Solutions Implemented:**

- Created a detailed expense category list for reference

- Set reminders on mobile app to log expenses daily

**Recommendations:**

- Review and adjust budget quarterly to ensure accuracy and relevance

- Explore additional expense tracking features on mobile app to enhance functionality

- Consider implementing a emergency fund to cover 3-6 months of expenses

**Project Conclusion:**

This budgeting project achieved its objectives, providing a clear and effective framework for managing
household finances.