Liceo de San Pedro
San Pedro City, Laguna
Submitted to:
Ms. Gizelle Rebolla
Submitted by: (Group 7)
Asumbra, Rolien Isis
Ventero, Nicole
Zamora, Janea Jei
Alfonso, Emmanuel
Almeda, Carlance
Cristobal, Kenneth
Mendoza, Erwin Jr.
 Abstract

The researchers conduct this study due to economics crisis nowadays. It aims to
create a product of chalk which is cheaper and could give the same quality which the commercial
one could give, through eggshells. This steps was made by the researcher to make a chalk out of
eggshells; First she clean the empty eggshell of the chicken through washing, then when the
eggshells is already dry, she pound the clean eggshells very well until it will become a powder,
then she get the residue and she separate it from the eggshell that is already in powder then she
pour a little amount of water, flour, and food coloring (optional) into the powdered eggshell and
put it on the paper to form a stick chalk and she let it dry for days.

This Shalk Sticks has three advantages than the commercial chalk sticks; it is eco-
friendly and it can also help preserve the nature, because rather than destroying limestone rocks
to produce chalks, why not use and recycle the shells of the egg you are consuming to lessen the
world’s pollution. Second, it will help you save up money since after you used the eggs in
making food, you can transform the eggshells into a writing material for you and your kids than
buying some chalk at the store, and you can also sell it for an income. Third, it can be a fun
bonding time with your kids or friends, you’ll enjoy making it knowing that you’ll benefit from
it.
 Chapter I

The Problem and Its Setting

1. Introduction
Chalk, as one of the most important school supplies, is a big demand in the
market industry nowadays. It is a writing implement that has different colors and is used
in school that uses blackboards, and for kids that plays in the grounds and pathways.
Chalk is a soft, porous, sedimentary carbonate rock, a form of limestone composed of the
mineral calcite. On the other hand, an eggshell is a thin and hard outer layer of an egg.
This is very fragile and can break easily, like chalk.
According to the research, the components of an eggshell is almost
entirely crystals made up of calcium (Ca), carbon (C) and oxygen (O) combined, making
a compound called calcium carbonate or CaCO3.
Chalks have the same compound used to make it. This is why the
researchers think it may be possible to make chalk using eggshells. The researchers want
to make chalk to help schools, particularly public schools, for they don’t have enough
funds or resources of money to buy chalks for the teachers to use.
Sticks of processed ‘chalk’ are produced especially for use with
blackboards in white and also in various colors. White chalk sticks are made mainly from
calcium carbonate derived from mineral chalk rock or limestone, while colored or pastel
chalks are made from calcium sulfate in its dihydrate form, CaSO4·2H2O, derived
from gypsum.
On the other hand, white and colored shalk sticks are both made from
calcium carbonate from the eggshells, the colored one just got its pigment when it is
mixed with food coloring.

2. Background of the Study

Among the wide possible areas of problems that the researchers can use,
they chose this one because they want to fulfill and promote the mission of LDSP, which
is to be a ‘Makalikasan’ leaders of the present generation, through this quite simple and
mainstream research, they can create a very useful material that can lessen the world’s
flourishing pollution.
The success and dominance of restaurants, fast food chains, eateries,
cafes, bakeries, and other shops in the food industry led to environmental concerns
regarding to the slow decomposition rate of some of the materials or ingredients they use,
 and improper garbage disposal. One approach to this problem was met with wide efforts
toward recycling.
An example of it are eggshells, eggs are widely used in cookery, there are
approximately 50 billion chicken eggs harvested every year in the United States only. It
is a common ingredient in preparing different dishes, and at the end of the day they just
let the shells scattered everywhere which sometimes cause pollution, that is one of the
country’s or even the world’s continuously growing problem these past few years.
The researchers also noticed that at school, teachers require commercial
chalk used in boards. But there is no assurance that we can have continuous supply of
commercial chalks.
So, the researchers decided to seek for a way to help save or revive the
earth. Due to the similarities on the composition of a commercial chalk and an eggshell,
the researchers decided to make a chalk which is very affordable and can give an equal
quality as the commercial one. Just think of all the eggshells wasted all over the world,
why not turn it into something useful like this Shalk (Shell + Chalk = Shalk) Sticks!

3. Statement of the Problem

This study was conducted to explore science, lessen the world’s pollution,
and specifically, to answer these questions:
 How can we be resourceful and use the things we see at home?
 Will the eggshell be an effective substitute for chalk?
 Are there any similarities between the composition of an eggshell and a chalk?
 What is the physical difference of the product to commercial chalk?
 What are the advantages and disadvantages of this Shalk Sticks?
 What would be the effect to the environment if the said product will be a success
and it is used worldwide?

4. Significance of the Study

The researchers proposed this product to decrease pollution, and make use

of the eggshells that is commonly thrown away. The beneficiaries of this research would

be the following:

The Environment – it will help decrease the number of pollution in the

world because we are recycling something that is considered as trash, and making it to
something useful.

The Global Market – new market innovation which is eco-friendly and

 not that pricy and when it hit the market, we can create a company that produces many of
this kind. Meaning to say, this will open new opportunities for Filipino workers.

The School administrations – instead of buying commercial chalks, they

can just ask or buy eggshells at their school canteen and innovate their own chalk. This
will also lessen their expenses and they can now use their fund to other things.

The families in the world – they can now create their own chalk for their
kids to play with and can be used as a writing material, instead of buying a commercial
chalk that causes asthma. At the same time, the materials needed are cheaper or
sometimes it’s just around them for free because it is a left-over in making dishes.

Those who are in the food industry – this may lessen their garbage, use the
eggshells in a convenient way and they can use the chalk in writing their menus. They
can also partner up with other companies that makes chalk, or they can make their own
chalk and sell it in the market

The artist and crafters – this may lessen their expenses and they can now
innovate their own chalk that they can use in making art works and in drawing. They will
also have fun making this project so they might do it.

5. Scope and Limitation

This research is about Shalk Sticks, or chalk made out of egg shells. In this
project, we’ll need these materials; eggshells, water, flour, paper towel, bowls, spoon,
glass, kettle, mortar and pestle, and food coloring (optional). We researched for this
project for about 3 days. Searching for the materials can be done for no longer than a day
and the materials can be found just inside the house, specifically in the kitchen.
The main subject that we’re studying is the eggshells. We use the
eggshells because they have the same compound (calcium carbonate) with a chalk. They
also have the same qualities; like for example, they can break easily.
This was conducted to produce a valuable product and to reuse things at
home. The aspects looked into was the current situation of our country, and we noticed
that pollution is one of the biggest problems we are facing these days. This will be an
easier and economical way to make chalks and it saves money, time, and effort
This has many different factors, controlled and uncontrolled variables,
there are some affecting the study like how long let the product to dry. But if the
materials are right and procedures are done properly, you will be able to have your own
Shalk Sticks. You can enjoy playing with it, use it as a writing material, or sell it to
produce income.
 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

6. Related Literature
The two of the researchers found literature about their research for the
eggshalk and found four of these said literatures.

James (2011) of 9 slap-up shipway To Recycle Eggshells stated that some

people are moving away from commercial products in favor of much instinctive
alternatives. There is no assurance that people can stomach continuous supply of a
commercial chalk that is wherefore in this study; researchers tried to find a better, low-
cost and more convenient way of producing chalk which is peer in quality to commercial
chalk.

Ancient Egyptians (1400 BCE) According to Aristotle, when he opened

chicken eggs at various time points of incubation, he noted how the organism changed
over time. Through his writing of Historia Animalium, he introduced some of the earliest
studies of embryology based on his observations of the chicken in the egg.

Aristotle (350 BCE) They used the chick to demonstrate tissue

differentiation, disproving the widely held belief of the time that organisms are
“preformed” in their adult version and only grow larger during development.

Neves (1998); Boron (2004) Moreover, the use of these shells as an

alternative source for calcium carbonate may reduce the impact on the natural reserves of
limestone, a non-renewable natural source

According to the researchers, commercial chalk is composed mostly of

calcium carbonate with minor amounts of silt and clay. It is normally formed underwater, commonly on
the seabed, then consolidated and compresses during diagenesis into the form commonly
seen today.

As scientist Joe Regenstein has studied, the cell of a chicken egg is made
up of about 94% calcium carbonate, 1% calcium phosphate, and about 4% organic
matter, mainly protein. The eggshell has pores through which air, moisture, and even
bacteria can pass. The shell represents about 11% of the weight of an egg. The shell is
made up of three parts – the mamillary or the inner layer is adjacent to the shell
membranes and has a “knob” like appearance. The middle layer, the bulk of the shell is
made up of small calcite crystals, mostly randomly arranged with the pores running
 through it. The cuticle or top layer is thin film of protein that covers the egg when it is
laid, but which dries up and flakes over time.

7. Related Studies
Three researchers found articles from foreign and local scientists that may
help with the research, these are :

Very early in the study of the shell, chemical analyses showed that it is
composed of about 97% calcium carbonate (Burley and Vadehra, 1989).

Beginning on the surface of the albumen, the shell membranes, of which

there are two, provide the foundation of the shell. On the surface of the outer membrane,
mammillary knobs form as the first stage of shell formation, and from these, the main
layer of the shell, called the palisade layer, develops. A thin outer layer, called the cuticle,
completes the shell. (Nys, 2002)

Eggshell is made almost entirely of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals.

it is a semi-permeable membrane, which means that air and moisture can pass through its
pores. (Exploratorium, 2017)

Chalk made from eggshells is now being marketed by the Q.P.

Corporation, the largest producer of mayonnaise in Japan. They used 100% of the
eggshells left over from eggs used in the processes of manufacturing mayonnaise and
other products. The company has expanded eggshell use to school supplies, supplying
them as a raw material for blackboard chalk. Theirs was the first attempt to produce chalk
using completely natural ingredients. Japan FS Organization (2004)

Calcium carbonate is a white, odorless powder or colorless crystals,

practically insoluble in water. Ground calcium carbonate (CAS: 1317-65-3) results
directly from the mining of limestone. The extraction process keeps the carbonate very
close to its original state of purity and delivers a finely ground product either in dry or
slurry form. Precipitated calcium carbonate (CAS: 471-34-1) is produced industrially by
the decomposition of limestone to calcium oxide followed by subsequent re-carbonation
or as a by-product of the Solvay process (which is used to make sodium carbonate).
Precipitated calcium carbonate is purer than ground calcium carbonate and has different
(and tailorable) handling properties.
Calcium Carbonate is the carbonic salt of calcium (CaCO3). An odorless,
tasteless powder or crystal that occurs in nature.Calcium carbonate is used therapeutically
as a phosphate buffer in hemodialysis, as an antacid in gastric hyperacidity for temporary
 relief of indigestion and heartburn, and as a calcium supplement for preventing and
treating osteoporosis. (NCI04) (Pharmacology from NCIt)

Carbonic acid calcium salt (CaCO3). An odorless, tasteless powder or

crystal that occurs in nature. Calcium carbonate is used therapeutically as a phosphate
buffer in hemodialysis patients and as a calcium supplement. (MeSH)

The superficial structure of the shell has been known for over 100 years.
The shell consists of 97% calcium carbonate, and this is provided to the hen in the diet.
However, the chemical must be broken down in the digestive system and then re-
synthesized in the shell gland to form the shell. This results in a turnover of blood Ca of ~
100 times each 24 hours. (P. Hunton-2005)

8. Definition of Terms
The researchers defined the following terminology based on how it is used

in this investigatory project.

 Albumen – the part of the inside of an egg that is clear before it is cooked and
white after it is cooked; the white of an egg.
 Alternative – one of two or more possibilities; something that can be chosen
instead of something else; a choice or an option.
 Blackboard – a smooth, dark surface that is used for writing on with chalk in a
classroom.
 Calcite – is a carbonate material and the most stable solid material to exist in
more than one form of calcium carbonate.
 Calcium Carbonate – a chemical compound with the formula CaCO₃. It is a
common substance found in rocks and the main component of pearls and
shells.
 Calcium Phosphate – a family of materials and minerals containing calcium
ions together with inorganic phosphate anions.
 Carbonate Rocks – are a class of sedimentary rocks. The one major type is
limestone.
 Consolidated – to join or combine together into one thing.
 Decomposition – the state or process of rotting; the process to be slowly
destroyed and broken down by natural processes, chemicals, etc.
 Deposition – geological process in which soil and rocks are added to land
mass.
 Diagenesis - the physical and chemical changes occurring during the
conversion of sediment to sedimentary rock.
 Embryology - the branch of biology and medicine concerned with the study of
embryos and their development.
 Fine – in very small pieces; very small particles.
 Flourishing – developing rapidly and successfully; thriving.
 Hemodialysis - also spelled haemodialysis, commonly called kidney dialysis
or simply dialysis, is a process of purifying the blood of a person whose
kidneys are not working normally.
 Incubation – (incubation period) medical term for the time between being
exposed to infection and showing first symptoms
 Limestone – is a sedimentary rock, composed mainly of skeletal fragments of
marine organisms.
 Literature – is writing considered to be an art form, or any single writing
deemed to have artistic or intellectual value, often due to deploying language
in ways that differ from ordinary usage
 Mammillary – sites on the outer shell membrane
 Membrane – a pliable sheetlike structure acting as a boundary, lining, or
partition in an organism.
 Organism – an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form; any
individual entity that exhibits the properties of life.
 Phosphate Buffer - is a buffer solution commonly used in biological research.
 Precipitate – cause (a substance) to be deposited in solid form from a solution.
 Resynthesized - to combine (constituent elements) into a single or unified
entity.
 Sedimentary rock – type of rock formed by the deposition of that material at
the Earth’s surface and within bodies of water.

 Semi-permeable membrane – a type of biological, polymeric membrane that

will allow certain molecules to pass through it.

 Shalk Sticks – chalk made out of eggshells.

 Shell Gland - a gland in certain invertebrates that secretes the components

required for forming the shell of an egg.

 Subsequent – having a direction or character determined by the resistance to

erosion of the underlying rock, and typically following the strike of the strata.
 Superficial - existing or occurring at or on the surface; situated or occurring
on the skin or immediately beneath it.

 Therapeutically – producing good effects on your body or mind; of or relating

to the treatment of illness.
 Chapter III

Methodology

9. Materials
The researchers used the materials listed below:
 Ingredients (This ingredients are used to make 6-8 Shalk Sticks)
- 2 tsp of Flour
- Cup of Hot Water
- 10 Eggshells
- Food Color
 Tools
- Bowls
- Spoons
- Paper Towels
- Glass
- Kettle
- Mortar and Pestle
- Strainer

10. Procedure
a.) Clean eggshells thoroughly making sure that you remove the membrane and
leave them to dry.
b.) Once the eggshells are completely dry, place the eggshells in a mortar and
pestle (or you could even use a rock on concrete for this part)
c.) Grind the eggshells until you have a fine, fine powder. (You could use a
strainer to be sure that is its fine enough)
d.) Place your eggshell powder into a bowl and add 2 teaspoons of flour and
enough hot water to make a stiff paste.
e.) Add some food coloring to your eggshell paste. (Optional)
f.) Place your eggshell paste on some thick paper towel.
g.) Roll the paper towel into a tube to help you mould your chalk into a long
tube shape. You could also use silicone ice cube tray moulds here to get a fun
shape for your chalk.
h.) When you have your desired shape, leave the chalk to dry for a few days.
i.) Once your chalk stick has completely dried, you can now draw your
masterpiece!
 Chapter IV

Results and Discussion

11. Result

 Cost (in Philippine Peso)

6

5
5

2
2 2

1
1

0
White Sticks Cost of Colored Sticks

Shalk Sticks Commercial Chalks

This shows that Shalk Sticks costs only 1 or 2 pesos depending on what color,
while the commercial ones cost 2 or 5 pesos, proving that this product is cheaper than the
one that is commonly used.

 Other Characteristics
12

10
10 10 10 10

8
8

6
6

0
Effectiveness Physical Appearance Environmental

Shalk Sticks Commercial Chalks

 This shows that both of the Chalk Sticks are effective and functioning, the
commercial ones are only better in physical appearance, which is not doubtful because it
is machine made so it’s precisely the same in sizes. But the Chalk made out of eggshells
are more environmental, because we are recycling in making this product.

12. Discussion
Egg shell chalks or Shalk are cheaper compared to our currently
worldwide used commercial chalk because you’ll only buy one ingredient that is needed,
flour, (but if you’re making colored ones, add food dye) not unlike the commercial chalk,
it will only cost approximately 1 or 2 pesos, while it costs 2 or 5 pesos for the
commercial chalk. The main ingredient of this product can be obtained in large amounts
on local eateries and kitchens, egg shells. It can be obtained for free, but if not, it will
only cost a small price.
Yet, these Shalk Sticks are below in comparison of physical appearance
and quality between designed and machine made chalk. Commercial Chalks are
thoroughly made and are same in sizes, unlike the Shalk Sticks that every piece is
handmade. Shalk Sticks and the commercial chalk are both effective and can show clear
marks when writing. But other than that, Shalk Sticks are above the commercial one
because it is cheaper, and is eco-friendly.
 Chapter V
Conclusion and Recommendation

13. Summary
These Shalk Stick can be the perfect alternative for the chalks we use
today. Chalks are composed of a compound called calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that they
get from mining limestone or chalk rocks, it is the same compound that can be found in
eggshells. We can use these eggshells as a substitute of the compound found on those
rocks and produce chalks that are eco-friendly that can replace the commercial chalks we
are using today.

You can make these shalks by simply combining finely powdered

eggshells, flour, hot water, and food coloring (if you like it pigmented). Mix them to
make a dough-like mixture, and then roll it up in a tissue paper for it to absorb the excess
water. Shape the mixture and wrap it again in a tissue paper, leave it to dry for two to
three days.

These shalks are cheaper compared to commercial chalk if excluding the

egg itself inside. A smart choice for making mass amounts is making a deal with
cookeries to set aside the eggshells for the makers of this project. Additionally, this is
very economic friendly, since it is literally recycling of waste; eggshells are labeled
things for disposal in almost every kitchen. When making this product, it will help
schools, especially public schools in rural areas, in the demand of chalks for teaching.
Housewives could also make this product for their children to use in the sidewalks using
leftover eggshells.

These shalks is a product of environment cleaning that in return makes an

important role to a child's learning and future.

14. Conclusion
Therefore the researchers conclude that using wastes and recycling them
like eggshells can help a lot in being resourceful not just to any household but maybe in
cities, countries or even worldwide.
These eggshells have the potential to substitute commercial chalks in
completely, as they are also composed of calcium carbonate just like the chalks we
currently use. These house made chalks are literally recycled products made from wastes,
yet even though they are not the highest of quality than machine made commercial
chalks.
 Companies may kick start selling this product that uses eggshell entirely
from local kitchens making them of a higher quality than ones made in household, thus
producing more jobs and a better and resourceful environment.

If we can combine all the eggshell waste in the world and produce this
instead of the current commercial chalk, we will be cleaning the environment off from
billions of egg wastes and make tools of learning that al the world's school can use. If
there are 50 billion eggs harvested in the United States alone, how about the whole
world? We are striving to find ways to limit our wastes in the striving innovative life of
ours and the researchers think this is one way how.

15. Recommendation
The researcher would highly recommended that we could use eggshell
chalk instead of busy commercial chalk in the market because its is cheaper and fits in
our budget. the researcher therefore concluded that eggshell chalk could be used as an
alternative source of commercial one.

Since buying eggs just for eggshells is not that good of a choice, the
researchers recommend making a deal with local eateries and canteen to give the
eggshells to you all who aspire to make this project, even if with a small price, instead of
disposing them. For housewives, or simply any relative in a house with a child, the
researchers also recommend using your leftover eggshells to make this, thus making your
child a chalk he/she can play with in the sidewalks.

Additionally, the researchers also recommend making different colored

chalks using liquid food colors instead of the powdered ones. Liquid food color spreads
its color easily throughout the whole product compared to powdered ones that you still
need to mix with water.

Lastly, the researchers recommend removing the membrane from the shell
and throughly grinding it and for best results, filter it in a strainer and continue to grind
the leftover until it looks powder-like.