Hello, my name is Ayeman Zia and this is my writing portfolio for English 21007. Throughout this course, I used different strategies to make both my writing better and becoming a better writer myself. Enjoy!
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Month: December 2024
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Self-Assessment Essay
In this class, I have completed many assignments that have helped me in achieving the class learning outcomes. From baffling descriptions to the engineering proposal report, each assignment that has come in between has taught me something new to carry onto the next assignment. One of the course learning outcomes that I achieved throughout my different writing assignments is “enhance strategies for reading, drafting, revising, editing, and self assessment”. For assignments like the lab report, the technical description, and the engineering proposal, I used initial understanding to create a rough draft that would lay the blueprint for the following steps to come. After getting revised by peers and my professor, I was able to enhance my writing, using their suggestions to make it more clear and make it the best version it can be. After editing it and making it the final draft, I used to self assess part of this learning outcome to later grade my own work and reflect on the whole process of making it. One piece of work that reflected this learning outcome was my technical description on a flashlight. When I first completed the rough draft, I had a hard time expressing how I would write so much of a technical description about a flashlight. I didn’t think that a big paper can be written about something simple. I submitted my rough draft knowing that a lot of work had to be done on it in order to make it better. Using what my peers said about my work, I used that information to revise my report, making it much better than the original. Another course learning outcome that I achieved in this class is “develop and engage in collaborative and social aspects of writing processes”. In every assignment, Professor Brown made us be in contact with other people whether we were working together or not. One assignment that reflected this outcome was the engineering proposal presentation. This project involved working with a group to create a solution for a problem faced in real time. Constantly throughout the project, I had to communicate with my group about this project, discussing what our project is going to be and what roles everyone is assigned. Other than working with my group, another social aspect of this was looking at other peoples projects and commenting on it. After seeing other groups’ presentations, one social thing I did was ask questions to other groups about their projects. By asking these questions, other groups were able to interact with questions I had, enhancing the social aspect of the learning outcome. I was also able to strengthen my source use practices. In preparing for every assignment, the one thing we had to do before starting the actual writing was finding sources that would support our argument. Sources are important to a paper because it helps develop arguments and allows for more than one perspective on a topic. To support my argument in every paper, I integrated quotes from the sources into the paper to flow easily. This learning outcome also connects to the learning outcome that says “practice using various library resources, online databases, and the Internet to locate sources appropriate to your writing projects”. This connects with the previous learning outcome because both involve evaluating sources to better a paper. I achieved this learning outcome because for every assignment, I used sources that were relevant to the project and I located these sources through online databases. In every writing project, I stuck with my argument and didn’t change my stance which is why I also achieved the outcome “formulate and articulate a stance through and in your writing”. One of the writing assignments that showed this outcome was the questions on the squirrel proof bird feeder video. In every question that was assigned, I answered it sticking with the argument I had for the duration of the response. These smaller assignments helped me develop my stance for bigger papers like the engineering proposal. When writing the proposal for the overflow of water, I stayed consistent in continuing to emphasize the method presented. Each assignment, whether it was as simple as finding sources or as complex as writing a whole report, helped in achieving each class learning outcome. Through each learning outcome, I was able to demonstrate different theoretical concepts and rhetorical terms. One thing I noticed looking back at the assignments this semester is that it expanded my communication abilities. Different papers made either persuade, inform, or entertain readers. For example, in the lab report, I was entertaining the reader, telling the audience more about the experiment and the outcome of it. The lab report can also inform the reader along with entertaining because even though the experiment part is entertaining, I also used the lab report to discuss background information about the topic and why the result happened. All the papers had a purpose of informing the reader, but one other purpose that the engineering proposal had was to persuade. Since the basis of the project was convincing to get funding for the proposal, persuading the audience is definitely one of the purposes of the paper. Overall, this class has allowed me to view other aspects of writing and develop my skills. By developing these skills, I also was able to achieve different class learning outcomes. Each assignment helped me get a step closer to achieving more learning outcomes allowing me to interpret them into my writing.
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Technical Description Reflection
In this assignment, I wrote a technical description on a flashlight. After reviewing thispaper, I believe that my grade should be a 85. I believe I met the criteria for each category at ahigh success rate, however there are minor things that would deduct points. One thing I wouldget points in right away is the organization of the paper. The paper has every component neededin the correct order. It’s easy to follow and well structured. Each heading lets the reader knowwhere specific things are written. Along with making the paper organized, the written part ofeach section is also clear. The definition section clearly introduces the topic and describes what aflashlight is. It even gives background information surrounding the topic and dives deeper ratherthan just stating a regular definition. The components listed all the main parts of the flashlightbecause not all the flashlights have the same parts. And the explanation part of this sectionexplained each part and how it contributed to the function of the flashlight. Some sentences canfeel a bit repetitive in the explanations part, such as when talking about the power source and thelight source. The tone and language of this paper is good. It’s easy to understand and veryfactual. The use of words were very simple so it was easy for the reader to understand. Thereading is very clear and concise. Compared to the rough draft and the final draft, there is a bigimprovement. The final draft adds things that weren’t in the rough draft and it also fixes thingsthat were lacking. And also, in order for points to not be deducted, the writing was submitted ontime as well. One thing that would deduct points from this writing is the use of citations. Therewere no citations in this writing which would cause points to be lost. Without the use of citations,it wouldn’t be clear whether the information was from sources. Overall, after consideringeverything, this paper would get a 85. There would be points deducted on some things, butoverall everything was written well.
The podcast I chose for this assignment was the one with Joe Brinton, a geological engineer that works at a coal mine in Utah. I chose this podcast because his occupation seemed unique to me. The fact that he works at a coal mine amazed me and made me more curious to explore his line of work. This podcast changed the way I viewed engineering because Joe right away discusses all these things he does that doesn’t seem like engineering related stuff. For example, I didn’t think tha Joe would have to deal with insurance bonds and lawyers. It showed that engineers have to deal with things beyond just engineering. This podcast changed the way I view writing in engineering somewhat. What I’ve noticed is that a lot falls on the engineer in order to present the calculations for something or the safest way to approach something. I also learned that Joe had to write his reports catered to a specific audience. For example, he mentioned that engineers will double check your calculations and make sure everything is correct before anything further happens. However, everyone else at his job trusts what he says because he is the only engineer there. Writing has a huge role in engineering. Writing is important because engineers are expected to deliver clear details on any ideas. They need to make sure that whatever calculations they come up with is correct. In this example, Joe has to make sure his calculations are correct so that the miners can carry on with their work. One thing podcast this taught me that I hadn’t knew before is how advanced in time engineers think. Whenever Joe writes something in his reports, he’s thinking ahead of time.
- What challenges does this video highlight about precision of language and communication?
This video highlights how that one person may not understand how to interpret information the way it was given to them. Just because one understands how it’s done doesn’t mean their step by step instruction is clear for someone else. This video highlights patience when communicating. The kids thought that their dad would understand what they were trying to say right away but instead the instructions kept on failing. As they kept failing, they were becoming more and more precise in communicating the step by step process.
- How do you see this video relating to your Technical Description assignment?
This video is related to the Technical Description assignment because the assignment also highlights the importance of detailed explanations. In the explanation section, it said, “how much detail is necessary for your intended audience”. This part connects to the video because both kids had to put as much detail in each step in order to make sure their dad made the sandwich the right way. The connection between the two shows that we should put as much detail so that our item is clearly explained to the audience. It also relates because in the description it said that a simple item can have a lot of detail behind it and it feels the same way on how to make a sandwich.
- Did this video change the way you view technical communication? Why or why not?
This video did change the way I view technical communication because the video confirmed that the writer has to consider all senses so that the explanation can be as detailed as possible. The video made me think of how programming something might work. When programming or coding something, you want to be as specific and detail oriented as possible in order to make it work. It connected with this video because the two kids had to be very specific in order for their dad to make the sandwich the right way. This video teaches how to present information effectively.
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Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
- The problem in this video is that the squirrels are able to open the bird feeder and gain access to the seeds. Every time the person bought a new bird seed cage, the squirrel was always able to find a way to get to the seeds. In order to solve this, Mark created an obstacle course for the squirrel so that it would be more difficult to get the food. I think that the problem was solved to a minimal extent. Even though the obstacle course was effective in making it difficult for the squirrels to get food, it still didn’t prevent them from getting it. After many tries of figuring each part out, all four squirrels were able to beat it and get to the food.
- I would have approached this problem differently. Initially I wouldn’t have thought about an obstacle course. I would have thought it simpler and sprayed squirrel repellent if I didn’t want squirrels near the birdcage. However, if I were to approach it this way, one thing I would adjust about this obstacle course is that I would probably add a scarecrow and a sprinkler. I would use the scarecrow to see if it would scare the squirrels and not make them attempt to go further. I would use a sprinkler because I think the water would prevent the squirrels from advancing as well.
- This video relates to my engineering proposal assignment because it involves using problem solving skills, designing, and planning. Mark identifies the problem which is the squirrel eating the food, so he designs something in order to combat this problem. He had all the initial planning and research and proposed a solution. This relates with the assignment because our assignment will also involve proposing something that can be a solution to a problem just like the video.
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Engineering Proposal
Summary:
This paper provides a comprehensive program that is necessary in mitigating the instances of water overflow in farmlands, something that has increased over the years due to the change in climate and unpredictable weather. It hopes to decrease crop damage, maintaining soil quality and improving farm output by resorting to modern drainage and flood control measures. Our team, with extensive experience in agriculture and environmental management, is ready to design and manage this project. With a proposed budget of $32000 to cover the necessary technology, labor, and maintenance costs, this solution will have major, long-term advantages for the farming community by eliminating the negative impacts brought about by excess water in the farmlands
Introduction:
One of the biggest problems farmers face is the overflow of water on their crops. Due to the change of the climate, flooding is much more common, becoming a major concern for farmers affecting their crop yields and soil. A 2021 report showed that the effect of flooding amounts to stunted growth, reduced yields, and generally costs the agricultural industry millions of dollars per year (Agritech Tomorrow 2021). During the rainy season, areas like the midwest can have rain that can reach up to 18 inches causing damage to many things such as crops, infrastructure, and loss of livestock life. These floods cause not only disturbance in the crops, but also the schedule of farmers. Farmers like Joshua Manske who runs farms in Iowa and Minnesota “plan their days around the forecast” (Elkadi 2024). Farmers say that the weather conditions can cause a delay in harvesting because the overflow of rain will damage the crops and cause a whole new process of replanting, thus increasing work and time. Along with crops getting destroyed, soil also is affected. Excessive flooding also causes soil erosion. Key nutrients in the soil are depleted by the water and cause plants to not be fully developed. The overflow of water also impacts livestock present because the rain water becomes mixed with other chemicals causing it to be contaminated. It contaminates the water and also the food supply causing the lives of the animals to be at risk.
The background of this issue highlights both natural and human-driven causes: increasing rainfall due to climate change, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and high water tables in many farming areas. Therefore the following proposal shall focus on offering a sustainable solution by integrating drainage systems with flood control measures that will surely protect farmland from water overflow. Using insights from various agricultural studies, this proposal seeks to deploy a combination of subsurface drainage, retention basins, and controlled release systems to manage excess water effectively (Minnesota Extension). This project’s scope includes implementing and testing these systems across selected test sites, with an initial focus on installation feasibility and projected outcomes. By using this solution farmers will save up on work and money, while the safety of their crops increases.
The organization of this proposal is as follows: a project description, covering the feasibility, benefits, and methodology of the proposed solution; a detailed budget breakdown; a conclusion summarizing the project’s value; and references to the supporting research. Key terms in this proposal include “subsurface drainage”a method to remove excess water from below the soil surface), “water retention basin” (a temporary storage area for floodwater), and “controlled release” (an approach to gradually release water to minimize overflow risk).
Project Description:
The solution proposed involves integrating advanced drainage and flood management techniques tailored for agricultural land. This includes using subsurface drainage to prevent soil saturation, water retention basins to capture excess water, and controlled release mechanisms to manage water discharge sustainably. Collectively, these measures provide immediate and long-term benefits by maintaining the productivity and resilience of farmlands against water overflow.
Subsurface Drainage Installation:
Installing a subsurface drainage system is effective in combating overflow of water on farmlands. Subsurface drainage or tile drainage are sets of pipes placed usually 3 to 6 feet below the soil surface. Excess water from flooding flows into these pipes and will flow away to another place. The pipes benefit the crops because as the water enters and flows somewhere else, it prevents the land from being too saturated. According to the University of Minnesota installing subsurface drainage pipes creates “a better environment for crop emergence and early growth” (Minnesota Extension). When the excess water gets drained, it allows for the water table, the underground area saturated with water, to be lowered down. As excess water gets drained out, it prevents waterlogging from occurring. Waterlogging occurs when there is too much water where the plants roots are supposed to be. When water gets drained away it allows for better conditions for the plant to grow in like allowing more oxygen for the roots so that they can take up more space. This enhances the crop yield and creates better production. In order to get the installation done, we need to conduct a feasibility study to see the specific designs of the drain needed for the sites in concern.
Water Retention Basins:
Another way we recommend to deal with excessive flooding are water retention basins. Water retention basins are highly recommended during times of extreme rainfall. These basins serve as reservoirs to store runoff water in advance. The construction of them helps in mitigating heavy rainfall for irrigation purposes. They “temporarily hold excess water, preventing it from overwhelming land” (Future Food Solutions). As these basins are filled with water, they are beneficial for water usage later. When the rainy season passes by, the stored water in the basins can be used during dry periods to support the development of the crops. Not only to crops, but water retention basins also benefit livestock as well. Water from floods gets mixed with other chemicals and becomes contaminated making it not safe to drink. When the water is stored in the basins, it becomes a reliable source of water for animals to drink from. The basins will be at the edges of the fields and their size will be designed based on the precipitation rates and the soil absorption rates.
Controlled Release Mechanisms:
With the water retention basins, there will be controlled release structures or adjustable outlets to regulate the amount of water released from both the drainage systems and the basins. This will allow farmers to modulate water levels according to soil moisture conditions; hence, under and over-draining can be avoided. In sum, the controlled release method minimizes the probability of erosion and advances the effectiveness of water management; therefore, a more resilient farming system can be guaranteed.
Feasibility:
Such a solution is feasible because the same methods were highly successful in other areas. As USDA studies show, the water damage is drastically reduced and the more healthy crop yields are significantly encouraged by controlled drainage due to controlled soil moisture (National Institute of Food and Agriculture).
Benefits and Consequences:
The benefits that will occur from this solution is that it will improve the health of soil, resilience of crops, and control of floods. Key nutrients from the soil will be protected so that they can be used for developing crops. As that happens, it will lead to an enhancement in crop yields. These systems also allow for water to be saved. The water basins can store excess water and hold it until it can be used later, preferably during dry periods. And an effective drainage system will benefit livestock by protecting their water supply.
Methodology and Resources:
The work will involve subsurface drainage systems, water retention basins, and monitoring sensors for soil moisture and water flow. Resources include but are not limited to perforated drainage pipes, basin liners, water pumps, and sensor equipment. Installation labor for these systems and maintenance post-installation is required. Periodic training with farm workers and locals will provide continued use of installed systems. Before any installation, first the field will be examined. Areas of poorly drained soil will be looked at first because those are the areas water tends to exceed. Once that is figured out, it will be determined how deep the pipes will be placed below the soil. It’s going to be placed between 3 and 6 feet, but the exact height needs to be determined in order for water to flow smoothly. The water basins that hold excess water will be on the edge of the fields all connected together. It will first be looked at to see which edge is best because the water is supposed to be at the lowest slope of the farm so that more water can be filled up. Training will include proper use of all the systems set up and maintaining everything. After everything is set up, maintenance will be essential in the use of these systems so that they don’t become ineffective. The best time to check on the basins and the drainage pipes is before the rainy season, typically 1 month before it. It should be checked 1 month before just to be the best prepared when the actual rain comes.
Obstacles and Objections:
A potential obstacle of this is the initial high cost of the setup and disruption of land when installing everything. However even though the initial cost is high, it will benefit the farmers because these systems will eventually pay off. The return on investment will be a very significant return. Every year, farmers have to pay for infrastructure so their crops will be protected. As flood levels get higher, the things they use won’t be effective. Therefore, even though the price will be high to install these things, they will actually be paying less every year because since the drainage systems are already there, the excess is mostly taken care of. Along with lower prices paid every year, the amount of work they have to do is also reduced and the effectiveness they get from these systems is higher than if they were to use anything else. To get a minimum in the disruption of the land, first assessments on the site will first happen. A test on the soil of the site and the ecology will help, we can figure out how to work with the benefit of the land rather than causing disruption. Instead of going very deep into the soil, we can find areas that won’t disrupt the soil and still create efficient drains.
Budget:
The budget for this project is estimated as follows:
- Materials and Equipment: $15,000
- Subsurface drainage pipes, basin liners, pumps, sensors
- Labor and Installation: $10,000
- Professional contractors for initial setup
- Monitoring and Maintenance: $5,000
- Routine system check-ups and technical support
- Community Training and Education: $2,000
- Workshops and informational sessions for farmers
The total estimated cost for this project is $32,000. Each acre of land takes up $1850 to $3700 (Progressive Farmer). With our budget, this drainage system can cover up to 17 acres of land.
Conclusion:
The solution proposed water overflow in farmland will be highly effective and multi-level, which increases agricultural resilience and productivity. Subsurface drainage systems tackle waterlogging from its roots so that the crops can have a well drained atmosphere to grow healthily. The construction of water retention basins help in mitigating heavy rainfall due to the captured excess water and stores it for irrigation purposes during arid periods. Finally, incorporating mechanisms for controlled release will provide farmers with better options regarding water flow controls to minimize erosion hazards while allowing for optimal retention of soil moisture. Integrating all these things will lessen flood impacts, protect the quality of soil, and safeguard crop yields, hence contributing to a more viable future for farming communities. Through this system of draining farmers can keep their farmlands safe at a high level while also reaching productivity at a high level.
Sources:
AgriTechTomorrow. (2021, July 21). Protecting farms against floodwater: 8 advanced techniques. AgriTechTomorrow.
Guide, A. (2024, August 15). Flood control: Top techniques for farms. The Farming Insider. https://thefarminginsider.com/flood-control-techniques-for-farms/
Sands, A. G. R. How agricultural drainage works. Extension at the University of Minnesota. https://extension.umn.edu/agricultural-drainage/how-agricultural-drainage-works#seasonal-water-balance-1362413
Delheimer, S. Improving drainage management on agricultural lands. National Institute of Food and Agriculture. https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/blogs/improving-drainage-management-agricultural-lands#:~:text=Drainage%20reduces%20soil%20compaction%2C%20makes,crop%20damage%20from%20excess%20moisture
University of Wisconsin Extension. What happens to your crops in flooded fields?. Crops and Soils Extension. https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/articles/what-happens-to-your-crops-in-flooded-fields/#:~:text=Flooding%20can%20 erode%20soul%20and,stunted%20growth%20and%20lower%20yields
BTL Liners. The importance of drainage systems in agriculture. https://www.btlliners.com/the-importance-of-drainage-systems-in-agriculture
DTN Progressive Farmer. (2024, June 21). Drainage tile drives yield. DTN Progressive Farmer. https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/crops/article/2024/06/21/drainage-tile-drives-yield-also#:~:text=For%20many%20farmers%2C%20the%20math,to%20an%20outlet%20or%20ditch
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Technical Description
Definition:
A flashlight is a portable hand held device that generates light. This beam of light can be best seen in dark conditions because that’s the circumstances it was made for. Before the creation of flashlights, people would use oil lamps and candles to generate some sort of light. This light wasn’t bright enough but it worked for the time. In 1899, British inventor, David Misell created the first flashlight in 1899. The invention of the light bulb caused Misell to invent this as an alternative to kerosene lamps and candles because the flame of those items could be dangerous. This invention has been very helpful as it’s one of the ideal tools to have in case of any emergency. Flashlights can be found in different versions each benefitting the purpose it’s for. Over time flashlights have evolved, not only being just a hand held tool, but also being on other items such as phones and keychains.
Overview:
The first flashlights were handheld and small compared to what they are now. Since the creation of the first flashlight, they have gotten bigger, brighter, and more powerful. Standard flashlights come with a simple and effective design to it. It’s the right size, comes with a handle for someone to grip their hand onto and the head which contains the light, whether it’s an LED or a bulb. And to power on the flashlight, there will be a switch which should be located on the body of the flashlight. The switch can be a simple button or even slider. Not every flashlight has this type of appearance to it though. For example, another type of flashlight is the headlamp. The function of it is the same as it emits light, however the appearance of it is different. Headlamps are designed for more campers, mountain climbers, hikers, and more. This type of flashlight is used more for outdoor explorers. This flashlight has a similar light unit, but instead doesn’t come with a handle. The headlamp comes with a headband so it can be worn on the head of the person using it. Therefore, the user can be more hands on. Despite the differences between the two, they both serve the same function in giving off light.
Components:
Different flashlights can have different components to it, but there are 7 main components that come with every flashlight. All the parts in the flashlight work in order for the light source to function, which is located inside the head of the flashlight. Other parts located in the head of the flashlight are the reflector and the lens. Inside the body is the power source and the circuitry. Surrounding these parts inside is the body which also has the switch located on the outside.
Explanation:
The body of the flashlight is a tube shaped part. It holds the flashlight together and is a cover for the internal parts. Inside the body of the flashlight is the power source. The power source is where the batteries are inserted. Nowadays flashlights usually run on either AA or AAA batteries. In general, they run on lithium batteries. If they don’t function on lithium batteries, they can run on rechargeable batteries or it can also have a battery that comes with the flashlight that can be charged by a docking station. The other source in the flashlight is the light source. Both the power source and the light source work together to function the flashlight. The light source is where the light beams. The batteries are put into the power source. And the energy the batteries give off in the power source generates into electrical energy in order to create a beam of light. The light source can either be an LED light or it can be a bulb. The light source can determine how bright the flashlight is. Another vital component to the function of the flashlight is the circuitry. This is located inside the flashlight as well and is in between the power source and the light source. The circuitry is like the motherboard of the flashlight. All the inputs desired have to go through this part. The energy from the batteries in the power source travel through the circuitry in order to reach the light source. The flow of electricity flows through this. When the flashlight is first turned on, the circuitry helps keep the flashlight efficient and also safe at the same time. The circuitry knows the amount of voltage that should be passed through the flashlight. It regulates the amount of voltage in order to keep the LED or the bulb from burning out. By regulating this power, it allows the flashlight to be very efficient. In addition to the performance, it also helps with the different modes of the flashlight such as brightness levels and other types of modes that come with the flashlight. Overall, the circuity really serves as a piece that ensures the safety of the flashlight and the person that uses it.
The external parts of the flashlight are also just as important as the internal parts. The body of the flashlight is very important as it holds the entire flashlight together. Inside the body, is where the power source and the circuitry is located. The body is also where the batteries are inserted into. The body also has a grip to it that ensures that the person using it has a better grasp on it. The body also acts as protection for the parts inside which is why nowadays the body is waterproof and other features to make sure the inside is safe. Another part on the outside that’s important is the reflector and the lens. Both of these parts work together. The reflector is a surface that surrounds the light source. It surrounds it in every single angle to make sure that the most light can be emitted. Once the light source hits the reflector, the beam of the light becomes brighter and also increases range. The lens is the clear cover placed at the head of the flashlight. It’s put a couple inches in front of the light source and helps enhance the beam. The enhancement of the beam allows for more focus. Now in order for the entire thing to work, it must be turned on somehow. That’s what the switch is for. But the switch doesn’t just turn the flashlight on and off. It can also pick brightness levels and different modes one would like the flashlight to be on. One can want their flashlight to be a still mode or during nighttime, people might use the blinking mode for safety. Overall all these components work together in order for the flashlight to function. Each part depends on each other in order for the flashlight to function properly.
Visuals:
The first flashlights. Smaller in size and also smaller beams to the ones present day.
The headlamp flashlights come with a headband so one can be more free with their hands.
Standard flashlights in the present day. A handle with a grip to grasp onto for better handling. More bright from previous models.
Conclusion:
Flashlights were invented a long time ago. One may think that it might’ve died down by the time it was 2024, but it hasn’t. Flashlights have been very beneficial and are important to every household. It’s always one of the must-have tools for emergencies. Since the creation of the first one, the flashlight has evolved a lot. From brightness, to shape, and even price, everything about the flashlight has increased. The first ones were around $3 but now standard flashlights are around 15 to 20 dollars. However the more powerful flashlights can be above $200. In conclusion, this invention has been a very helpful tool for people ever since it was created and will continue to be beneficial.
References
“Anatomy of a Flashlight: Understanding Its Components.”
“What Is a Flashlight?”
www.tekled.co.uk/blogs/blog/what-flashlight
“Shining Light on Flashlights”antiquesqa.blogspot.com/2020/06/shining-light-on-flashlights.html
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Lab Report
Fermenting Yeast and Sugar
Abstract
This study examines the process of fermentation by seeing the effects it has on different concentrations of sugar. The activity of fermentation is determined by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide each sugar bottle produces. The results of the experiment would show the correlation amounts of sugar has on the rate of fermentation. I believe that with higher amounts of sugar, the rate of fermentation will increase resulting in a higher amount of carbon dioxide being produced.
Introduction
Fermentation is a metabolic process where microorganisms, such as yeast, convert sugar into simpler compounds like ethanol or carbon dioxide. Sugar is broken down in order to generate energy with the absence of oxygen. Yeast reacts with sugar because yeast produces enzymes that react with sugar. They use anaerobic respiration due to the absence of oxygen and create energy by fermenting sugars. Yeast is present in bread dough and it feeds on sugar and other starches to release carbon dioxide. This is why the bread dough rises when it’s put aside. This experiment will test the relationship and focus on the effect the amount of sugar has on the rate of fermentation. With higher amounts of sugar, the rate of fermentation should increase because there is more content to convert.
Materials and Methods
- 4 12 oz bottles
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Balloons
- Funnel
- Warm water
First, each bottle was filled with 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast. Then each bottle was filled with different amounts of sugar. The first bottle had no sugar, the second had 1 teaspoon, the third had 2 teaspoons, and the fourth had 3 teaspoons. After setting up all the dry ingredients, one cup of warm water was added to each bottle. When all the ingredients are added to the bottle, the bottle is stirred so it can all mix together. And then finally, put a balloon on each bottle and leave it to sit for an hour.
Results
After letting all the bottles sit for an hour, the results showed that the balloon with no sugar in it did not grow at all. However, all the other bottles did grow in size. The bottle with 1 teaspoon of sugar grew the least compared to the bottle with 2 and 3 teaspoons of sugar. This is because the bottles with 2 and 3 teaspoons had more sugar for the yeast to feed on. The bottle with no sugar grew to nothing because the yeast had nothing to feed on.
Discussion
After filling each bottle with different amounts of sugar and letting it sit for an hour, it was confirmed that the rate of fermentation increased resulting in a higher amount of carbon dioxide produced. In this case, the bottle with 3 teaspoons of sugar had more carbon dioxide than the bottle with 1 teaspoon of sugar because there was more sugar for the yeast to feed on. As more sugar got broken down, it released more gas causing the balloon to be bigger. One limitation in this experiment could’ve been temperature. Temperature can play a part and have an effect on the performance of the yeast. Another limitation is that there could have been some level of oxygen present in the bottles even though the yeast is supposed to feed with the absence of oxygen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this experiment confirms that the rate of fermentation increases when there is more sugar for the yeast to feed on resulting in more gas being produced. This experiment helps us better understand the process of fermentation. It helps us understand how energy can be created and how it can be created without the presence of oxygen. This process matters to many industries such as the food industry, especially the ones that make bread. Fermentation is one of the processes that occur when making bread and the energy being produced is what causes the bread to rise. This experiment shows that more energy is produced with more sugar for the yeast to feed on. References
The Sci Guys. “The Sci Guys: Science at Home – SE2 – EP2: Yeast & Sugar Fermentation.” YouTube, 27 June 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYClCHVT00M.“Single-Celled Science: Yeasty Beasties.” Scientific American, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/single-celled-science-yeasty-beasties/.
