A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
Hanging Gardens of Hwa Chong Implementation Phases
1. THE HANGING GARDENS
OF
HWA CHONG
Group No.: 12-25
Keven Loo Yuquan 4I106 (L)
ChingKai Xiang 4I202
Fong Hok Shing 4I204
Koh Qian Siang, Gordon 4I208
2. Implementation Process: Part a1
Test Phase 1
Aim:
- To estimate the amount of nutrient solution required
in the entire system
- To determine the volume capacity of the plant trays
- All these will help us to specify the benchmark for
replenishinglost solution into the system.
3. Implementation Process: Part a2
Procedure:
We compared the difference in water level before and
after the pump was turned on. When the final reading
was taken, the trays were filled and there was constant
drainage.
4. Implementation Process: Part a3
The Math
Initial volume of water = πr2h
= (29.5)2 x 56 x 3.14
= 153L (3sf)
Final volume of water = (29.5)2 x 26 x 3.14
= 71L (3sf)
Total volume of plant trays = 153L – 71L
= ~82L
5. Implementation Process: Part a4
Analysis
- Our system requires a substantial amount of solution
to run.
Follow-up
- We have decided to refill the solution when the water
level drops in the water tank drops below 40L (at a
depth of 15cm).
6. Implementation Process: Part b1
Test Phase 2
Aim:
- Toinvestigate if the system would continue running even
after along period of use
- Tocheck if the system would create regions of stagnant
water that would allow mosquito breeding
- Toestimate the water loss of the system by evaporation
Procedure:
-We left the system on with the pumprunning for several
consecutive days
7. Implementation Process: Part b2
Results:
- The system with water remained running after six days
with no water flow problem.
- When we inspected the water, there was no evidence of
stagnant water pools or mosquito larvae.
Analysis/Follow-up
- Constantly-moving water eliminates threat of mosquito
breeding bypreventing stagnant water from
accumulating.
- Success. None required.
8. Implementation Process: Part c1
Test Phase 3
Aim:
- To investigate the efficiency of our solution design in
the growth and yield of crops.
Procedure:
- We transplanted batches of 小白菜seedlings into the
system and observed the changes and health of the
seedlings over a period of time.
9. Implementation Process: Part c2
Results (1st batch of seedlings):
- The seedlings died after two days, dueto aunnoticed
fungus infection.
Analysis/Follow-up
- Seedlings are very prone to “damping off”, caused bya
fungus infection that results in weak spiny stems andthe
rotting of the roots, thus slowly killing the seedling.
- Wecleaned the system and made sure that the next
batch of seedlings would not be contaminated.
10. Implementation Process: Part c3
Results (2nd batch of seedlings):
- More than four-fifths wilted after five days, due to other
problems which did not have enough time to surface
during the 1st batch of seedlings.
Analysis
- There was too much water for seedling growth.
- This also contributed to higher levels of water
wastage, and could lead to the problem of root rot.
- Furthermore, the lack of agrowth medium meant the
plants had alacked anchorage for the roots.
12. Implementation Process: Part c5
Follow-up
- Welowered the water levels in each tray to amore
suitable level.
- Wealso introduced leca into all the trays.
Benefits of using leca include:
• Hashigh absorbance capacity
• Reduces amount of water needed for system
• Provides anchorage for plants
• Allows for growth of microbes and bacteria that
supports plant growth (mutualism).
13. Implementation Process: Part c6
Results (3rd batch of seedlings):
- Weare in the midst of growing our 3rd batch of seedlings.
- Asof now, the seedlings look healthy andare growing.
Follow-up
- Dueto the addition of leca, we had to cover the opening
ofthe connecting pipes with wire netting to prevent leca
from falling into it andchoking the water flow.
15. Implementation Process: Part c8
Follow-up
- Wecovered up opening of connecting poles with
netting to prevent leca and debris from choking
them up
16. Test Phase 4
Aims:
- Tocheck the sustainability of crop growth over a
prolonged period
- Tocheck the suitability of our set upfor growing
vegetables
Procedures:
- Weleft the system running for a period of ~50 days (after
Phase 3) andmade intermediate checks in between
Implementation Process: Part d1
17. Implementation Process: Part d2
Results (3rd batch of seedlings):
- Problem of algae bloom within containment vessels
of system.
- Some of the plants fell victim to caterpillars. Onewas
completely devastated, others wereuprooted and
thoroughly washed andcleanedbeforebeingre-
insertedto thesystem.
- Ants werealso found in the system. Eggs werelaid on
leaves, often resulting in bite holes in leaves.
19. Implementation Process: Part d4
Analysis
- Algae thrive quickly in oxygen, sunlight and nutrient-
rich environments. Favorable conditions exist within
containment barrel and tray systems.
- Plants are still vulnerable to pests, which are usually
flying and may lay eggs on growing crops. This is
because our system is exposed to the outdoor
elements.
20. Implementation Process: Part d5
Follow-up
- Water tank was washed to clean off algae and
system was flushed.
- More plants added to top layers of system (Plant
added – Kang kong) to reduce algae growth by
providing more competition in the layers
21. Implementation Process: Part d6
Results (Final)
- 3rd Batch of Seedlings: In adult stage, can be
harvested soon. Some uprooted due to inability to
eliminate infestation by bugs.
- 4th Batch of Seedlings (Kang Kong): growing at fast
rate. Some infestation observed and removed.
- 5th Batch of Seedlings (Kang Kong): some
germinated.
