The Organic fertilizer case
Field trip
By the Cats, Wednesday February 6-2019Hello everybody,
We are the cat team that's focussing on the organic fertilizer case of Payoga/Kapatagan.
Today we visited the production site of the organic fertilizer where we got introduced with the case. In the afternoon we had lunch in Ilagan. We proceeded the introduction with a tour around the organic demofarm of the cooperative. We saw the production of vermicompost and some of us rode a water buffalo.
We really enjoyed the field visit and became aware of the beauty of the Philippines while we learned a lot.
At the end of the day we learned that the problems of the cooperative are complex and through collaborating with them we will find innovative ideas to help them.
Field trip
By the Rhinos, Wednesday February 6 - 2019Yesterday we went to the organic fertilizer farm in Guibang, Gamu in Isabela. It was a four hour ride to the farm but in the end it was worth it! At first we tried to make the fertilizer ourselves. We carried chicken manure on our heads. Respect to the workers because they carry two to three bags at a time! We also flipped the compost with a shovel and then sifted it. The smell wasn’t as bad as we thought but it’s hard labour in the burning sun. We then had a lovely meal at the capital of Isabela. There we saw some beautiful structures made by different cities. We proceeded to make a visit at the demo farm. We experienced how they produce worms, how they test out new plants and herbs and we saw the native swine. We finished of with drinking straight from a coconut and asking our questions. Overall the trip was very insightful and we really learned a lot.
Prototyping
By the Rhinos, Tuesday February 12 - 2019Today we finalized the designs of our solutions. We ran into some problems but we put our heads together to find solutions. It took some time but we all think we came up with some good ideas. At first we divided the tasks among the group. Four people worked on the design of our solutions. In the meantime two other people researched how to make a prototype and bought some materials to work with. After the lunch break, we gathered and discussed what we had done. Here some suggestions were made on the design and on how to make the prototype. Once again we divided the tasks and four people worked on the final designs and prototypes. The other two people worked on the financial analysis of the machines and if they would be cost-efficient or not. We made a prototype of a device which can help fill up bags faster, we also made a prototype of a possible machine to sieve the compost and remove stones. When we were done, we already started making the presentation of our pitch on Thursday. We hope everything goes well and all in all it was a productive day.
From scratch to concrete
By the Cats, Tuesday February 12 - 2019Tuesday, the 12th of February, it was prototyping day at Isabela State University. We started the inspiring day with a lecture from the dean of engineering, Mr. Joel Alcaraz. He gave us insights on how to make a prototype, like: steps, tools and types on how to produce the idea in the case. Afterwards we had the opportunity to visit his Prototypes Center, to give us motivation. We saw lots of big and small creations of the students. During, the visit we became aware of the discipline of making a prototype.
When we came back from the engineering center we directly started with prototyping. First, Jurgen gave us important deadlines and point of understanding for today and Thursday. Then we directed began with creating our first prototype. We divided the work and each member began to work on their specific assignment. Some draw the storyboard, others did the prototyping. Also, we did not forget to make a presentation for Friday. To make our creation we had to visit hardware stores and other supermarkets to search for materials and tools to create it. So, we bought: metal, PVC and other materials. After our lunch we went on with all the assignments. From what we had on scratch, we made a concrete thing.
Today we learned that prototyping takes a lot of work. It’s not a simple object to go from what’s in our mind to reality and tangible. it’s amazing what creatures comes out during a complete day of being creative and making things. Hopefully on Thursday we can improve our prototypes and finish it before the deadline. Tomorrow we have a day off (thanks to the coaches and coordinator) and will resume our case/project on Thursday. We're looking forward to more intercultural learning and experiences at the SIP.
