SUBJECT: CHEMISTRY
NAME: ITOBELE OLIKE
SURNAME: MWINDE
CANDIDATE NUMBER: 3088
CENTRE NUMBER: 040206
PROJECT TITLE:
PROJECT TOPIC:
SCHOOL: MARIST BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT: HWANGE DISTRICT
PROVINCE : MATEBELELAND NORTH
Stage 1: Problem Identification, Statement
of Intent, Design/Problem Specification
Problem Identification:
Chemical waste from laboratories is sometimes discarded down
sinks or into general waste, which can harm the environment
and health.
Statement of Intent:
This project seeks to identify and address improper chemical
waste disposal practices at the school and propose safe,
sustainable alternatives.
Design / Problem Specification:
Identify common chemicals used in practicals
Determine current disposal methods
Evaluate their environmental and health risks
Design a waste segregation and safe disposal model
Stage 2: Investigation of Ideas
Evidence of Related Ideas:
Chemical waste segregation (organic/inorganic)
Use of neutralization techniques
Reuse/recycling of safe chemicals
Installation of a school-based chemical waste pit
Analysis of Ideas:
Idea Advantages Disadvantages
Waste Easy to implement, Needs training, time-
Segregation improves safety consuming
Neutralization Reduces toxicity Requires chemical
Idea Advantages Disadvantages
Techniques before disposal knowledge and space
Recycling Safe Reduces waste, Needs proper storage
Chemicals cost-saving and handling
Needs space,
Waste Pit with Isolates waste from
monitoring, may be
Lining environment
costly
Overall Quality:
Presented with diagrams and real-world examples, linked to
chemistry principles (pH, reactivity, solubility).
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas / Possible
Solution
Proposed Solution:
A chemical waste disposal station where students and
teachers sort and treat chemical waste safely (e.g., neutralizing
acids with bases before disposal).
Merits:
Safer school environment
Environmentally friendly
Encourages responsible chemical use
Demerits:
May require initial training
Cost of containers and neutralization materials
Overall Quality:
Supported by reaction equations, illustrated steps, and safety
signs. Clear and easy-to-follow explanation.
Stage 4: Development / Refinement of
Chosen Idea
Chosen Idea:
Develop a chemical waste segregation and neutralization
system in the lab.
Justification:
1. Promotes a safer and greener school environment
2. Reduces pollution and health risks
3. Reinforces chemistry concepts in practical ways
Refinement:
Separate labeled containers for acids, bases, organics
Use of litmus paper/pH test strips for identification
Instruction posters near disposal area
**Presentation:
Detailed diagrams of the system setup, safety flowchart,
sample neutralization reaction shown (e.g., HCl + NaOH → NaCl
+ H₂O)
Stage 5: Presentation of the Final Solution
Presentation Format:
A poster titled “Safe Chemistry, Safe Campus!”
Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations
Relevance of Statement of Intent:
The project directly fulfils the goal of safer chemical disposal
practices.
Challenges Faced:
Accessing proper chemical disposal data
Explaining concepts clearly to younger students
Limited resources for full implementation
Recommendations:
Train all science students on proper disposal
Request support for materials from local authorities
Appoint student lab safety monitors
