PROJECT REPORT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE HYDRAULIC LIFT MODEL
EGERTON UNIVERSITY-NJORO MAIN CAMPUS
FACULTY : FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY STUDIES
DEPARTMENT: DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM INSTRUCTIONS AND
EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT
STUDENT NAME: LAURA NJAMBI WARUGURU
REGISTRATION NUMBER- E14/03186/21
UNIT CODE :EDCI 398
UNIT TITLE : LEARNING RESOURCE PROJECT
PROJECT TITLE: HYDRAULIC LIFT MODEL
TEACHING PRACTICE ZONE: NAKURU EAST
TEACHING PRACTICE SCHOOL: JOMO KENYATTA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
ZONE COORDINATOR: PAULINE GITHAIGA
TEACHING PRACTICE PERIOD: MAY - AUGUST 2024
DECLARATION
I LAURA NJAMBI WARUGURU declare that this project is my original work and has not been
submitted either in part or wholly to Egerton University or any other university for award of a
degree and that all the sources that I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged
by means of complete references.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to give a special acknowledgement to my colleagues: Rose Maina, Robert Okuku,
Evans Kiplagat and my fellow Form 1 Yellow students who assisted me in the development of
this project.
DEDICATION
This project is dedicated to all Form 1 students for the understanding of the concept of Pressure
especially Pascal's principle which is a major challenge to most students. I would also like to
dedicate this project to all the other students of Jomo Kenyatta Girls high school who major in
Physics.
ABSTRACT
This project work comprises the hydraulic lift model which aids in curriculum instruction in
physics, particularly in pressure in form one, topic four. This paper has four main chapters
chapter one, two, three and four.
Chapter one covers the introduction where it looks at physics by linking the same to the national
goals of education and the contribution of physics in technological development with the basics
it offers to learners who wish to further their studies in the same field. This chapter also looks at
the school in terms of its history, project justification onto why this particular project and its
relevance and the project problem identification. This chapter also briefs on the objectives of the
project.
Chapter two has the literature review of the project. This acts as a guide to help in the planning
of the project. Chapter three covers the project plan by looking at the design of the project. It
gives the diagrammatic illustration of the project, the list of the required materials in the
development of the project, procedure to be followed in designing and development of the
project and the calendar of activities which illustrates various stages of the project development
and the person designated that duty. After chapter three there are references listed, appendices
which include proposed calendar of events and proposed budget.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER PAGE……i
DECLARATION……ii
ABSTRACT……… iii
1.0 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION…..1
1.1 INTRODUCTION…… 1
1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION…….1
1.2.1 History and development of the school 1
1.2.2 Management of the school…… 2
1.3 PROJECT IDENTIFICATION 3
1.3.1 Project previously done …….3
1.3.2 Possible projects………3
1.3.3 Proposed project………3
1.4 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION… 3
1.5 PROJECT OBJECTIVES 4
1.5.1General objectives……. 4
1.5.2Specific objectives……. 4
1.6 PROJECT PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION… 4
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF PROJECT… 4
2.0 CHAPTERTWO: LITERATURE REVIEW……5
2.1 INTRODUCTION………5
2.2 TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCE………. 5
3.0 CHAPTER THREE: PROJECT DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY… 7
3.1 Introduction……. 7
3.2 Project materials………. 7
3.3 Project description…….. 7
3.4 Project design and procedure….. 7
3.5 Project utilization………. 10
3.6 Project sustainability……10
4.0 CHAPTER FOUR: PROJECT EFFECTIVENESS
5.0 CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusion…………11
5.2 Recommendations…….11
6.0 CHAPTER 6: BIBLIOGRAPHY
WORK PLAN11
BUDGET 12
REFERENCES 13
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Education in Kenya aims at promoting the social, economic, industrial and technological
developments geared towards national development. Education is meant to produce learners with
appropriate skills and attitudes for industrial and technological innovations. In addition, with the
rising trends in technology, the Kenyan you then need to be well equipped with skills to adopt
them in the constantly changing world. Physics syllabus has been designed in such a manner that
enables the learners gain varied experiences in real life situations since physics is a field of
science that studies the structure, properties and composition of matter and the changes that
matter undergoes.
Experimentation is an important approach in the understanding off fundamental scientific
concepts and principles. The experimental approach is pivotal as it prepares the learner with
skills of presenting scientific ideas and facts in them under technology.
Experimental approach also helps in building up the learner’s creativity in solving real life
problems or even in designing projects in the future. Hence, the teaching and learning of physics
calls for effective use of models and effective application of the practical aspects. The learners
should be able to appreciate the role of physics in promoting industrial development of the nation
and attain a positive attitude towards physics. The teaching of physics should also therefore
arouse interest in the learners to acquire knowledge for further education and training.
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Jomo Kenyatta Girls High school was crafted from the larger jomo Kenyatta high school in the
year 2016. By then it was a two streamed school with an enrollment of 470 students and with
few infrastructure
The student enrollment continued to grow and in the year 2020 it was ( 991) and in the year 2023
the population was (1530). The school was registered as seven streamed in the previous year.
This year (2024) the estimated enrollment is 1850 students in Form one which resulted to the
addition of streams to 9 streams
This resulted to 100% transition from primary to secondary school which was the Ministry of
Education Agenda. This created need to expand the school infrastructure in terms of classroom,
dormitories, laboratories and teachers quarters.
1.3 PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
1.3.1 Project previously done
Construction of quadraterals
Visual instruction media on angle properties of a circle
Small scale production of biogas
Weather stations
1.3.2 Possible projects
Rock museum
Simple fire extinguisher
Construction of hydraulic lift model
1.3.3 Proposed project
Construction of hydraulic lift model
Reason for the project
Project of interest
Availability of resources
1.4 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION
A preliminary study in Jomo Kenyatta girls high school showed that many students in the school
were interested in physics as a subject and as ladder to career choices in future. Due to the
simplicity of my project, there is no doubt more students will embrace physics. The project came
out to be one of the aids to both physics teachers and students. This model was made using some
of the locally available resources like the cardboards and syringes which increased motivation to
the learners. To improve performance there was need to use practical activities and models to
explain concepts so as to make learning more interesting.
1.5 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
1.5.1 General objectives
To construct hydraulic lift model and to show the application of pressure in the lift.
1.5.2 Specific objectives
The learner will be able to: -
i) Apply the principle of Pascal’s law which states that pressure applied at one part of an
enclosed fluid is transmitted equally to all the other parts of an enclosed fluid.
ii)Visualize that force applied at one point creates a pressure in closed fluid and it is transmitted
equal to all other parts of the enclosed fluid.
iii)Eliminate rot learning among the learners hence better understanding)
iv)Show how pressure in an enclosed liquid generates a force that can be used to lift objects.
1.6PROJECT PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
The reason for choosing the project was because of the fair performance by the students of Jomo
Kenyatta Girls high school on the topic of pressure in physics and this topic has been set
severally by the Kenya national examination council.
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
The purpose of the project was to develop hydraulic lift model that would enable the learner to
understand the applications of pressure for instance the hydraulic lift machine. It benefitted the
students since it enabled them to understand the Pascal's principle by use of hands on activity by
operating the hydraulic lift model's syringes.
2.0 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Hydraulic devices were widely used in all areas of industry, mainly for their advantages. The
biggest benefit of hydraulic mechanisms included; transmission of energy over long distances,
high performance, simplicity and reliability. Current development and modernization in the field
of hydraulic mechanisms was mainly aimed at reducing energy consumption and increasing the
power that these machines are capable of transmitting. Lastly, the development of these
mechanisms focused on their environmentally friendly operation; these mechanisms minimized
contamination of the environment.
2.2 TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCE
Pressure is a topic in form one physics syllabus that deals with exerting a force on a given area
to produce a pressure which is then transmitted through a liquid. Pressure basically is the force
applied normally or perpendicularly per unit area. Through applying force on a given area, there
is a force that is generated as a result of the perpendicular application and effect of this force on
that surface, this force acting normally on that surface is what is referred to as pressure. This
project thus aimed at explaining the application of force on a given surface (one arm) to produce
a much bigger force on the other side (other arm). Physics is a science subject that involves both
theoretical and practical approaches to achieve the set targets or objectives in the course; in
addition, physics as a subject needs physical cooperation and interaction from both teacher and
students. Calculations on this topic and explaining of some key concepts gives most learners a
challenge
The failure to understand and comprehend the key concepts on this topic made learners not able
to handle other topics in syllabus like work, power and machines. This is because the knowledge
acquired on this topic was to be applied on work, power and machines since the two topics are
related in terms of content to be covered. This project therefore, involved designing of hydraulic
lift, one of the widest applications of pressure, that with this project, learners got a better
understanding and thus comprehended the topic better. The knowledge that learners would
acquire from this project would give them first-hand information and wide experience in terms of
content and above all develop creativity and be motivated on handling physics as a subject of
their choice.
CHAPTER THREE: PROJECT DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The project was designed as described below. This chapter explains the description of project,
materials that were used during construction and the procedure. Project utilization and
sustainability will be explained in this chapter.
3.2 Project materials
1. 4 syringes: two 20ml syringes and two 60ml
2. Plastic tubing (pipes)
3. Cardboards
4. Hot glue or adhesive
5. Frames (wood)
3.3 Project description
Hydraulic lift model was formed using two pairs of syringes i.e. one pair had 20ml capacity and
the other pair with 60ml each. The syringes were connected by two plastic tubings. The two large
syringes were suspended using wood attached to a cardboard base in opposite sides and parallel
to each other with the pistons facing upwards.
In the model two the pistons of the two syringes were fitted to a cardboard which raised and
lowered it down when the two small syringes were pressed and pulled respectively.
3.4 Project design and procedure
The project was conducted by the students under the guidance of the teacher. The first step was
to assemble the entire material prerequisite to the project. I used Form One Yellow students.
Students were asked to read extensively on the topic Pressure, subtopic applications of pressure
(KLB page66_67). The student representative then demonstrated to the class on the project
workability once the project was done
Procedure
1. Preparation of the Base:
A large piece of wood was cut to serve as the base of the hydraulic lift.
Additional pieces of cardboard were used to create a sturdy platform for the toy to sit on.
2. Creation of the Hydraulic Mechanism:
Two pieces of clear plastic tubing, each long enough to run from one end of the cardboard base
to the other were cut. One end of each plastic tube was inserted into the nozzle of each syringe
and were secured with hot glue or adhesive.
Bottle caps were used as pistons for the syringes. One cap was attached to the plunger of each
syringe using hot glue or adhesive.
3. Attachment of the Hydraulic Mechanism:
The plastic tubing was laid along the length of the cardboard base and positioned parallel to each
other.
Hot glue or adhesive was used to secure the tubing in place at regular intervals.
The syringes were attached to the cardboard base at opposite ends, ensuring that the pistons
(bottle caps) faced upward.
4. Connection to the Hydraulic System:
Small pieces of wooden skewers or dowels were cut to fit inside the plastic tubing.
One end of a skewer was inserted into the open end of one plastic tube and secured with hot glue
or adhesive.
The process was repeated for the other plastic tube and skewer, and it was ensured that they were
aligned with each other.
5. The Hydraulic Lift was tested:
A toy was placed on the platform of the cardboard base.
The plunger of one syringe was depressed while simultaneously pulling up the plunger of the
other syringe.
As one syringe compressed (pushed in), the other syringe expandsd (pulled out), causing the toy
to lift.
6. Repetition of the Process:
The process was repeated by continued pressing and pulling the syringe plungers which raised
and lowered the toy, demonstrating the hydraulic lift mechanism in action.
Discussion of Hydraulic Principles:
I explained to the learners how hydraulic systems work based on Pascal’s principle, which states
that pressure exerted at any point in a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished throughout the
fluid.
The practical applications of hydraulic systems, such as in car lifts, elevators, and construction
equipment were also discussed.
Project design
3.5 Project utilization
Physics and chemistry go in hand. Therefore, the project will be useful in teaching both physics
and chemistry concepts. In physics topic of pressure will have been made easier by this project.
In chemistry, a topic of Gas laws in explaining the effects of volume and surface area on
pressure.
3.6 Project sustainability
When this project was completed, the hydraulic lift model was submitted to the physics
laboratory where it can be accessed by any student or teacher at any time. The materials to be
used were durable and will serve many generations. Students can access it as the materials are
not delicate hence no need of much care.
CHAPTER FOUR: PROJECT EFFECTIVENESS
Upon using the hydraulic lift to teach the topic Pressure, I noticed a great improvement of
learners performance in solving mathematical questions related to it.
Learners were able to grasp the concept with ease as they were actively involved in the hands on
activities used in making the hydraulic lift model.
Learners attitude towards Physics that it was difficult and challenging took a positive turn as
they started embracing the subject.
Learners also came up with better ideas on how other models could be made to ease their
understanding in not only Physics but also other subjects.
CHAPTER FIVE: CONLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 CONCLUSIONS
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
i)The school should make about four models of the hydraulic lift project so that they can be
accessible to many students of other streams. This will minimize the need of having to wait for
another class to finish using it to learn before having access to it.
ii)For maximum use, the project should be stationed in the school's Physics laboratory where it
can be safely maintained and used whenever need arises. The model does not require a lot of
maintenance since the materials used are not fragile.
iii)The school should make a good storage space for projects that students come up with. I
realised that some models were just left unattended in the laboratory thus prone to their spoilage
upon students not using them with care.
iii) The students should use the model well to enable other learners to also have access to them.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
REFERENCES
1. Secondary physics KLB book1(7th edition)/2018
2. "Physics: Principles with Applications" by Douglas C. Giancarlo. This textbook covers
various principles of physics, including Pascal's principle, and how they apply to real-world
applications such as hydraulic systems.
3. "Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines" by R.K. Banal. This book specifically focuses on
fluid mechanics and hydraulic systems, explaining Pascal's principle and its applications in
hydraulic lifts and other related projects