La Consolacion University Philippines

Malolos City, Bulacan 3000

CHAPTER 1 DRAFT

RESEARCH TITLE

Evaluating the Utility of Eggshell Chalk: An Experiential Study

Among Senior High School Teachers and students

INTRODUCTION

Chalk, which is made of calcium carbonate or gypsum, has been the predominant
material for writing on boards in educational settings around the world for decades
(Raajini, X. Mercilin et al., 2018). In the ever-changing world of today however, the
method of producing chalks has also changed through the years. While traditional
chalks produce a lot of dust, which can cause respiratory issues and symptoms such as
asthma, coughing, and wheezing for both students and teachers (The Guardian, 2011).
According to P. Azodo Adinefe et al. (2020) Therefore, chalk dust particles from
chalkboard usage had a negative effect on the respiratory function (lung function
indices) in the classrooms. Using chalk and chalkboards is not only conducive to
teaching and learning, but it also has environmental benefits. Furthermore, “chalk is
more biodegradable” and that chalkboards, unlike whiteboards, do not require
chemicals when cleaning (Brian Conrad, 2018). In spite of that, there has been a
drastic development in the acceptance of different chalk materials. Nowadays, many
people have adopted "egg chalk" as a way to make their own chalks. Due to
environmental awareness, many people also engage in "upcycling," or the act of
transforming waste materials into useful products, where they could reduce their
ecological footprint and inspire others to do the same (Instructables, 2023). The chalk
production industry is in decline in the global chalk market due to the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the supply chain and reduced the demand for
chalk in various sectors. Having said that, the market is expected to recover and grow
at an average annual rate of 3.6% from 2021 to 2030, reaching $X by 2030. The market
growth is driven by the increasing population, urbanization, education, and
industrialization in developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa (IndexBox, 2021)

Approximately 2.91% of all disability-adjusted life years have been accounted for by
chronic respiratory illnesses internationally. One of the biggest issues facing the globe
today is lung diseases brought on by pollutants and one's line of work. Significant public
health concerns, respiratory problems resulting from exposure in the workplace
environment account for up to 30% of all work-related illnesses that are publicly
reported and 10%–20% of work-related fatalities (Global Burden of Disease, 2019, as
cited in Aragaw, F. et al., 2022). The use of traditional chalk and chalkboards are still the
standard for classroom learning use within developing places in the Philippines
especially in public schools. During classroom teaching, a considerable amount of
chalk dust particles with a diameter in air or aero-dynamic of less than 10 m are
produced. These make students and teachers prone to getting respiratory diseases. The
reason for this is because a dust emission of a chalk has inhalable particles that are
composed of a mixture of gypsum, a dehydrated form of calcium sulfate (CaSO4),
calcite (CaCO3), dolomite, and a trace quantity of organic glue. Which when a chalk
produces dust emissions that are small enough to penetrate the airways that can
cause or lower respiratory system and damage the respiratory respiratory health of a
person (Aragaw F. et al., 2022). According to Walters, C. (2023) Chalk dust can be
dangerous to breathe due to its size. Chalk dust, sometimes referred to as respirable
dust, has the potential to enter the respiratory system and have an impact. For some
people, it can exacerbate asthma symptoms in particular. Long-term effects include
breathing problems and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The
unintentional result of using a chalk crayon on a blackboard is chalk dust. Particles of
chalk are released into the surrounding air as it is scraped across the board's uneven
surface. A significant portion of this dust falls on clothing, furniture, electronics, and
shelves, while some of it either rests on the ground or is ventilated outside. A fraction is
also inhaled by teachers and students, and it typically gets stuck in the upper
respiratory tract and throat mucus layers. Several studies have been conducted to
investigate the possibility of eggshells as a raw material for chalk production. (Pollick M,
2023). A study conducted by Minerva Cueto (2019) studied the production of quality,
dustless, and long-lasting chalk from eggshells. Another study has been published on
PHDessay.com investigating the effectiveness of eggshells as an ingredient in chalk
production. However, despite these promising findings, there are still unresolved
concerns and challenges involved with the production and usage of eggshell chalk.
The potential health dangers linked with chalk dust are one of the key concerns. Even
if the chalk is labeled "dust-free," it can still generate significant amounts of dust
particles, which can increase the quantity of dust in the air. Therefore, further studies
are needed to address these issues and optimize the production process of dust-free
eggshell chalk. This will not only enhance its quality and safety but also its acceptance
and usage in various sectors, particularly in education.

The main purpose of this study is to use an alternative material for chalk production
using eggshells and determine if there are significant changes between traditional and
eggshell made chalks. This study intends to test the possibility of using substitute material
to make dust-free chalks and create a clean and healthy air environment. It might also
limit the use of traditional chalk in the classrooms, which has an ingredient of calcium
carbonate(CaCo³) present that can lead to very harmful effects in the human body if
exposed for a long period of time. The Researchers are aiming to find out how a chalk
made up of eggshells can make a change as an alternative to traditional chalk and its
overall effects to the teaching environment of those who are mainly using chalks,
teachers. Chalks made a big part of a teacher's teaching but the researchers noticed
that traditional chalks can affect their teaching because of the dust it produces.

The importance of this study is to thoroughly examine the physical and chemical
properties of eggshells in order to provide important information regarding the health
risks that the commercial chalks have and how they may influence people in learning
environments. The dust-free chalk will help reduce respiratory health hazards.
Considering the budgeting, dust-free chalk could be an affordable option for teachers
who are having financial difficulties and require financial support to continue teaching.
Employing the dust-free chalk that the researchers will give, this study seeks to assist the
teachers who are dealing with health issues in reducing the risks. The advantages of
dust-free chalk that could result in a sustainable and environmentally friendly learning
environment will be evaluated by the researchers.

Significance of the study

This research aims to contribute to building a nature-friendly learning environment for

students and teachers using chalk made from eggshells to make alternatives for
traditional chalk.

Teachers. This research also aims to help teachers deal with health problems or
allergies related to chemicals in traditional chalk.
They will teach students in a way that is completely appropriate to any situation,
without the problem of chemical dust from the chalk they use.
The research results will help you better understand how to incorporate eggshell chalk
into teaching for students or teachers who are allergic to chemical dust from chalk.

Students.The results of this research will help students understand the importance of
eggshell chalk from traditional chalk made from chemicals.
This helps students with asthma know that eggshell chalk needs to be appreciated
and used more. Since some students have difficulty with too much chemical dust from
traditional chalk, eggshell chalk can be an effective chalk to help reduce chemical
dust from traditional chalk for students and teachers. This research can help you better
understand exactly what chalk should be, which can help you create a nature-friendly
learning environment.

Future researchers. This study aims to help future researchers better understand this
type of eggshell made chalk. They will better understand the contribution of this chalk,
which will help them in their research. They can increase their knowledge by creating
and building less expensive products for use in their research or studies.

School Administrator. The study will assist them in understanding and in finding the
cheapest type of chalk that teachers will use in every school. School administrators can
evaluate and encourage teachers to make use of cheaper cost of chalk and less
chemical dust of chalk to create a nature-friendly learning environment for students
and teachers.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
 Constructivist Learning Theory (1973) by Jean Piaget

Jean Piaget's (1973) Constructivist Learning Theory is fundamentally rooted in the

process of active knowledge construction through engagement with one's
environment and reflection on personal experiences. This renowned theory emphasizes
that educators play a crucial role in facilitating learning by providing students with
meaningful, authentic tasks, scaffolding their learning journey, and fostering
collaboration and inquiry (Vygotsky, 1978). Importantly, this theory acknowledges the
significance of mental processes in guiding individuals to decide whether to emulate a
behavior. Thus, the Constructivist Learning Theory asserts that genuine learning involves
more than mere observation; it encompasses the cognitive dimensions that underpin it.

The application of this theory to the study on evaluating the utility of eggshell Chalk
among senior high school teachers and learners is of paramount significance. Eggshell
chalk, derived from eggshells rich in natural calcium carbonate, represents an
eco-friendly, versatile educational resource with various applications (Ramos et al.,
2017). By creating and using eggshell chalk, students actively explore the properties
and uses of eggshells, delve into the chemical reactions involved in chalk production,
and appreciate the environmental benefits tied to recycling organic waste (Garcia et
al., 2019). In parallel, educators can harness eggshell chalk to inscribe knowledge on
blackboards and materials, allowing for the creation of diverse chalk forms and colors
for an array of pedagogical activities (Lee et al., 2020). In uniting these practical
applications with the principles of the Constructivist Learning Theory, the study strives to
bridge educational theory and experiential learning, presenting an opportunity to
enhance the learning experiences of senior high school students.

Consequently, the interplay between Jean Piaget's Constructivist Learning Theory and
the study's exploration of eggshell chalk's pedagogical value magnifies the import of
this research. This convergence aligns with the theory's core tenets, promoting active
knowledge construction, meaningful tasks, collaborative learning, and cognitive
inquiry. Consequently, this study serves as a conduit for translating established
educational theory into actionable teaching practices, offering insights into the
efficacy of eggshell chalk as an experiential learning medium in senior high school
classrooms. The potential outcome holds promise for enriching teaching methods and
elevating the educational journey of students through a harmonious blend of
constructivist theory and hands-on learning experiences.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The use of eggshell chalk in the educational context will serve as the core focus of this
research. It is expected to provide a foundational understanding and reference point
for its impact on the learning environment, particularly in senior high schools.

This research aims to elucidate the potential benefits and implications of incorporating
eggshell chalk as an innovative teaching tool. It will involve the collection of empirical
data to assess how the independent variable, eggshell chalk, influences the
dependent variable, the learning environment. The data collection process will
encompass observations of student engagement, creativity, and understanding, while
fostering interactive and inquiry-driven classrooms. Following data analysis, key themes
will emerge, shedding light on the effectiveness of eggshell chalk in enhancing
teaching practices, which can provide valuable insights for both educators and
students.

In summary, this study endeavors to explore the transformative role of eggshell chalk in
high school education, unveiling its impact on the learning environment. By
investigating the relationship between the independent variable (eggshell chalk) and
the dependent variable (learning environment), this research will not only advance our
understanding but also contribute to the enrichment of teaching methods and
experiences, thus providing a foundation for future educational studies.
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The main purpose of this research is to find out how the chalk made from eggshells
affect the learning environment of students and teachers

To answer the statement above, we tend to seek answers to the following:

1. How may the alternative eggshell chalk be defined in terms of:

1.1 Ease of writing

1.2 Visibility of the chalk
1.3 Erasability
1.4 Brittleness & Durability
1.5 Cost Efficiency

2. Is there a significant difference between traditional chalk and eggshell chalk?

3. How does the product, chalk made from eggshells affect the learning
environment of teachers and students?

HYPOTHESIS:
H1: Chalk made from eggshells greatly contributes to the learning environment of La
Consolacion University Philippines.
H0: Chalk made from eggshells does not contribute to the learning environment of La
Consolacion University Philippines.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The general purpose of this study is to observe how the chalk made up of Eggshells
affect the teaching environment of Teachers as the main respondents of the research.
The research will be conducted during the school year 2023-2024. The research is slated
for the school year 2023-2024 and will be exclusively conducted within the confines of
La Consolacion University Philippines. To collect data pertinent to the research
objectives, the researchers will employ a Likert scale-based instrument. This instrument
will serve as a comprehensive tool for gauging the experiences and perspectives of the
teachers regarding the use of eggshell chalk in their teaching practices. Data
collection will commence in the 2nd semester of the school year, ensuring that the
research captures a full spectrum of experiences and insights from the teaching
environment. Thereon, it will serve as a valuable resource for understanding the impact
of this innovative pedagogical tool, providing insights that can contribute to the
enhancement of teaching practices and the learning experience.