MYP Personal Project- Hand Sanitiser

A. PLANNING

A.1 My Learning Goal

Once we had to start thinking about ideas for our personal project, I already had the plan of doing
something related to coding. Lately, I have had the passion for robots and computer science
thanks to Digital Design as a subject in school and thanks to a series of small sessions of robotics
that I participated in during break times at school. I really would like to learn how to code and
specifically learn the C coding language which is mainly used to program robots. I would like to
learn the basics of the code and be able to read and understand a string of code, and try to use it
to really code something. Coding is used to create a set of instructions that computers need to
follow, the code tells the computer what it can do or what it cannot do. I like robots because I think
they are part of our future. For example, robots are often used to automatise sectors of the industry
because they increase efficiency and are faster at completing the task. In today's life, it is possible
for us to create and program machines that employ certain jobs to help our community. It has also
been shown that the demand for robotics has risen. Therefore, I would like to learn how to program
a robot, set the task it has to execute in order to help the community and to precisely complete the
task. In addition, I decided to focus on this learning goal because I appreciate when I have an idea,
a project in my mind and then I am able to actually produce it and see it come to life. Coding is
exactly about that, you come up with an idea, you program a robot with the coding and set a task
that it has to complete. I want to see the result of all of my hard work and commitment.
Furthermore, I would like to learn how to code because I want to help the community. I love being
helpful and using my brain to come up with projects that can help people. My whole project is
related to the subject of design and ICT. Therefore, I can create my own project and program a
robot to make it do something helpful to the community of the school. I already had some
experiences related to coding. Two years ago, I used to attend a coding class during breaks where
I learnt the HTML language and tried to program a robot we had in class. Last year, during Design,
I learnt the Swift programming language but not in depth. Therefore, my goal is challenging
because I want to learn a new coding language in depth all by myself and then be able to use my
knowledge to program a robot. I think I will also use these coding skills in the future when I will
continue studying robotics and coding languages and pursue my dreams.

Image of when I started doing the coding part using the knowledge I acquired during the course.
A.2 Product

My final product is an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser for my class. This product is strictly
connected to my learning goal because the dispenser will work by programming an arduino using
coding. The automatic gel dispenser is helpful because it avoids contact and also helps to
consume less product in order to help the environment. The global context I chose is Scientific and
Technical Innovations, I specifically chose the exploration: impact of scientific/technological
advances on society and on the environment. During the pandemic, hand sanitizers had become
very essential and vital. However, it is known that the covid-19 virus can be passed also through
surfaces and contact. By creating an automatic hand sanitiser, people do not have to touch the tap
therefore there is no risk that the virus might be spread. Therefore, the product I want to make is a
non-contact hand sanitiser that solves the problem of coronavirus and helps the community be
more safe. This connects to my product as I want to program a robot able to help and improve the
community and environment in particular my school. My product is highly challenging because I
have never used coding C before and I never had experiences using an Arduino or with
programming a robot and I had to be independent.

Image showing the schematics of the circuit that I wanted to complete with the Arduino. I had to
use my knowledge from the learning part to assemble the Arduino parts together and create the
coding.

A.3 Success criteria:

Success criteria product Definition

Function: It is important that my product works perfectly. Every time

The automatic sanitizer someone puts their hand under the sensor, the gel has to come out
dispenser works and is in the right quantity.
resistant. I will test this when I put the sanitizer dispenser in my classroom. I
will look if people use it and if it distributes the gel to everyone.

Aesthetic: The sanitizer dispenser will be a cylinder made of plastic which

The dispenser will be of a contains the sanitizer bottle and arduino. The dispenser will be
certain color and certain coloured in blue so it is visible and also follows the colors of the
shape. school. Moreover, there should be a sign demonstrating to put the
hand under the sensor.

Environmental The sanitizer dispenser will be functional because it distributes

considerations: only the necessary amount of gel. This will indirectly help the
 The product’s function is to environment as the sanitizer will be more durable and less plastic
save time, help the bottles will be consumed.
environment and reduce It will also be time consuming, you place the hand under the
the risk of viruses passed sensor and then you walk away. It will also reduce the risk of viral
with contact. viruses like Covid-19 that can be passed only with the contact of
surfaces.

User: The sanitizer dispenser will be placed inside the G11 classroom.
Who will use the product Therefore, the users will be G11 students and the teachers that will
and where will it be placed. enter that room.

A.3 Plan for Achieving the Product:

Dates Tasks To do Success Progress notes

Criteria link

20th Start doing Start coding Function I have organized a meeting

October the C code lessons on with my Design teacher. I
programming https://www. told him I would start
lessons. edx.org/cour following an online course for
Then refer to se/c-progra learning programming.
my Design mming-getti
Teacher if I ng-started
find it hard. Organize a
meeting with
the Design
Teacher and
share
concerns.

25th Continue During the Function During the holiday I had to

October coding Half Term be persistent and committed
lessons Holiday, to continue the course. It
continue the was challenging but I was
coding able to pursue my learning.
lessons

2nd Arrive to By the end Function I had to speed up because I

November functions of the didn't arrive yet to function
coding holiday I coding. Moreover, I did some
have to research on Arduino and I
finish the had some doubts that I
function wanted to clarify with my
code. Design teacher.
During
holiday do
research on
Arduino,
 understand
how it works

3rd Meeting with Meet the Function It was difficult to find a day to
November my Design Design meet with my Design teacher
Teacher Teacher. because he was very busy
Share my and I also had different
learnings clinics and school activities
Decide to do during breaks.
which
Arduino kit
to buy
Buy Arduino

5th Buy Arduino Ask my Aesthetic I bought the starter kit of the
November parents to Arduino so I will be able to
buy Arduino both do my project and then
Decide do other small projects that
which kit to are already designed.
buy

10th Continue While Function

November coding course waiting for
the Arduino
kit to arrive,
continue the
coding
course

15th Meeting and Meeting with Aesthetic It is difficult to find a day to

November point of myDesign meet with my Design
situation Teacher to Teacher. I need to be more
share my independent and continue
progress my work alone. Moreover, I
Be ready to need to start thinking about
start coding how to build the box.
Ask the
possibility to
get a period
during
school
where I can
work on
project

19th Do some Do 2 Function I followed the instructions

November easy projects projects and completed 2 projects, I
following the understood how the basic
booklet that is elements work. I need to
 included in work on a personal project at
the starter kit home.
to start to
understand
how it is.

22nd Research Do research Function I did some research and I

November on how the have made my own design
hand of the product.
sanitizer
should look
like
Find
examples of
a circuit
used for an
automatic
sanitizer
Look at
photos of
the
aesthetic of
dispensers

24th Meeting Meeting with Function During the holiday I will start
November my Design coding and assembling my
Teacher for project.
an overview
on my work
so far

3rd Coding Start the Function At the start I was struggling

December programmin and the code didn’t work, so
g part I had to try many times. I
didn’t have enough time and
decided to continue another
day.

6th Coding Continue to Function I tried to change my coding

December work on the but it still didn’t work. I had to
programmin check all the elements of the
g part circuit but I didn't have a lot
of time because during those
weeks, there were many
assessments to complete
before going on the holiday.

23rd Work on Finish the Function During the holiday I worked

December project coding on my personal project and I
 Assemble finally completed the coding
the arduino part. Now I can focus on how
to assemble all the laments
and build the box of the
sanitizer.

10th Meeting with Meeting with users/functi I had a meeting with my

January my Design my Design on/aesthetic Design teacher, he helped
Teacher to Teacher with the some parts where I
check with was unsure, he gave me
him the last some websites I could use to
doubts I had. find answers.

12th Start Make the Function/ I bought a sanitiser bottle

January assembling circuit work aesthetic with a round shape and a
the sanitizer Assemble long lip so the gel would not
all the go on the box. Then I tried to
elements make the motor press the gel
together tap but the motor was not
Understand strong enough. Therefore, I
how to tried to make the spring of
make the the lip less resistant by
gel come cutting it but then the spring
out. was not strong enough to go
back. I had to find another
way. I would need a stronger
motor but I don’t have
enough time to order a new
one.

13th Sketch the Get some Aesthetic I made the prototype using
January box of the cardboard cardboard with the shape
dispenser from school, that I imagined at the start. I
bring it understood that I needed
home and very strong cardboard or a
start making light piece of wood.
a prototype Moreover, I understood that I
of the final needed a support in the front
box. part of the sanitizer box
Understand because with time, the
the cardboard could bend and
materials the box could fall in front.
and which
adjustments
I need to
make.

15th Find way to Find a way Function/ I found a way to make it

January make to make the Environment work. Instead of making the
 dispenser gel come al motor press the sanitizer tap,
work out, the consideratio it needs to rotate the bottle
motor is not ns containing the sanitiser.
strong
enough.

17th Start building Ask the art Aesthetic Arts Teacher was very
January box teacher, Arts helpful because he gave me
Teacher, if I the opportunity to use the
can stay in materials I needed. During
the art lab all the break times at school,
and if I can I have worked on my box. I
get or chose the right materials and
borrow also decided which color to
some use.
materials.
At school,
during break
times, go to
the art lab
and get the
materials to
create the
box.
During free
time at
school, work
on the box

22nd Work on box During the Aesthetic During the weekend, I

January weekend, continued cutting the
bring the cardboard and fixing the box.
box at home
and
continue
working on it

24th Finish box At school Aesthetic I finished the box, I need to

January finish gluing paint it.
the
cardboard
together
with the hot
glue

25th Paint the box Paint the Aesthetic, I used spray paint to color
January box with the box in blue as it is the
blue paint. same color of the uniforms
and interiors of the building.
 However, the paint finished
so the next day I will need to
find a way to finish painting
it.

26th Finish Mix paint to Aesthetic I made a color similar to the

January painting box create a spray paint color and
similar color finished painting the box.
to the spray
paint
Finish
painting box

2nd Make sign for Create, on Aesthetic/ I completed all the tasks and
February the dispenser keynote, a user the dispenser is finally
sign that I finished, I only need to take
would print a video of it to show it
and fix at functioning for the exhibition
the top of I will make.
the sanitiser
Clipart
image
showing to
place the
hand under
the sensor.
Worrying
saying Hand
Sanitiser.
Print it, and
use the
laminator to
plastify it to
make it
resistant.
Use wood
sticks to
place it at
the top of
the sanitizer
box.

6th Make a video Make a Aesthetic/ I made a video of me placing

February of hand video function the hand under the sensor
sanitizer showing that and showing that my final
working. when I place product works.
the hand
under the
sensor, gel
 comes out.
Take a
photo of my
final
product.

11th Hand in final Bring All Criteria I brought the dispenser to

February product product to school and handed in my
school product.
Show my
final video

B. APPLYING SKILLS

B.1 ATL skills used for learning goal

ATL skill (self-management):

To achieve my learning goal, I applied self-management ATL skill. I indeed worked on a specific
skill which is to set goals that are challenging and realistic. My goal was to learn how to code using
language C, therefore, this activity was out of my familiar and comfort zone. For example, I have
never learnt how to use programming C and I was independently learning from zero. Therefore, the
task was very challenging but I was also able to set a realistic goal because I was sure that I would
have had enough time to learn and I was sure that my design teacher could support me at any
moment. Moreover, this task also implied the skill of practicing focus and concentration. My
learning goal was challenging and I needed to spend a lot of time on it. Additionally, as I was often
busy both at home after school and during break times at school due to the math challenge, when I
was working on the personal project, I needed to be completely focused. I continued to work on my
learning goal, during the Halloween holiday and every week for 2 to 4 hours a week. I continued
the course of programming C persistently after I finished my homework or study sessions. I now
believe that I strengthened this skill because initially it was challenging for me to keep focused if I
was tired, stressed or if I was not in a quiet environment. However, to complete my target and
learning goal, I utilized this skill a lot and I now believe that I am more capable of keeping my
concentration level persistently high while working.

ATL skill (research):

Another skill that I really used to achieve my learning goal is Research. In particular I collected and
analyzed data to identify solutions and make informed decisions. I used this skill while following the
process of my learning goal which was to learn the basics and principles of a new coding
language, coding C. Therefore, to effectively learn and apprend new skills, I needed to find a
reliable and useful website that I could rely on to acquire new knowledge. Therefore, I needed to
do a long research before starting the course. The website that I chose at the end seemed to me to
be the most well structured and most reliable. In addition, in order to be sure that it would be
useful, I used the system CARRDS to analyze the main source I used to work on my learning goal
and to understand if it was reliable, credible and accurate.
Below there is a table I made to analyze the main source that I used, https://www.edx.org/.
 Credibility The website is made by a reliable author. The website contains many courses
about engineering and computer science. For every course, there is the possibility
to also gain a certificate. I followed a course on the website about the introduction
to coding C. The course was made by the University of Dartmouth and the IMT.
The course was made and built by a Professor from the Thayer School of
Engineering at the Dartmouth College and by an associate professor form the
Telecom ParisTech at the IMT. The website collects different courses made by
professors of universities. Therefore, I can trust this website because it includes
reliable information and it contains information from many universities. Moreover,
the authors of the different courses that can be found on the website are all very
trustable and the information is certified. Moreover, there is also a contact number
and an email in order to contact the authors of the website.

Accuracy All the information included is very accurate and valid because the course is
programmed by university professors and they specialize on the topic of the
course. Therefore, all the information is reliable, accurate and useful. The lessons
were always well explained, well structured and the spelling and grammar were
always correct. Moreover, at the start I tried to use another website where I was
introduced to the basics of programming C and the information that I found was
the same as the information I found in this website. Therefore, this website
contains accurate information.

Reliability The website I used included many courses and I followed one which taught me
the basics of programming C. During the course I could also practise coding.
There were no biased opinions or explanations. Moreover, the website did not
include any advertising therefore I used a reliable website. Moreover, the
information included in the course was very varied as it came from different
professors and it was always neutral. If I had questions, I could contact the authors
as there is a section called contact us where I can send an email.

Relevance All the information that was included in the course was very useful to me as my
learning goal was to learn the basics of programming C and the website informed
me about what coding c is used for and explained how to use coding C. It also
included sessions where I could practice coding and solve some problems. I
trusted the website and I was able to gain a lot of knowledge and understanding as
well as some practical skills about the topic.

Date It was easy to find the copyright date which is 2022, it is written at the bottom of
the page and it was also an updated and modern course full of useful information
and included examples of how and where coding C is used in nowadays society.

Source The website included videos of the professors talking and teaching and there were
parts where they lead a step by step process to explain a part of the coding. The
information they used probably was from books, a primary source. However, there
is also some information from secondary sources.

B.2 ATL skills used for product

ATL skill (transfer):

To achieve my final product I used the Transfer ATL skill. As my product was to build an automatic
hand sanitizer, I both needed to code the arduino that needs an input to execute an output, but I
also needed to create a box that contained the sanitizer and the arduino. The box needed to meet
certain aesthetic features that I had planned at the start in the success criteria table. Moreover, I
needed to find the right color and pick the correct materials. Therefore, I also applied my design
and art skills. This implies combining knowledge, understanding and skills to create products or
solutions. I combined my knowledge of art and artistic skills in order to build a box aesthetically
pleasing therefore by collecting and using the right materials, shapes and by being comfortable
using all the equipment like a craft knife, hot glue or saw. In addition, I applied my ICT skills which I
had just acquired by following the programming C course and by coding the Arduino.

During the process of achieving my final product, I also used the skill of applying skills and
knowledge in unfamiliar situations. After acquiring knowledge about coding C, I used those skills to
achieve a final, physical product: the dispenser. Therefore, I had to apply my skills and my
knowledge, because I had to use my new knowledge about coding to make the Arduino work and
achieve the expected result.
Below there are some images I took while working on the product, the automatic hand dispenser. I
was working on the dispenser and I was trying to utilize the most resistant materials in order to
make it stable and durable. I needed to go into the art room and pick the right materials and be
able to easily handle all the equipment in the right way.

C. REFLECTING

C.1 The impact of the project

My Personal Project has had a great impact on me. My project was more about using practical
skills. I have realized that by designing and completing this project, I have improved several skills
and understood that long-term commitment and resilience are key for successfully achieving my
plans. For example, I had to work on my project after school and during the holidays. Moreover, I
was all by myself learning and working on it, I didn't have a lot of support for my product, it could
have been easy to abandon my project and change my project into something simpler to realize.
However, as I wanted to challenge myself and try completing something out of my comfort zone, I
was determined, I had to be determined to achieve my goal.
Thanks to this personal project, I also grew as a person. I have understood that to achieve goals
successfully, I have to solve all the problems that I encounter and continue advancing and pursuing
my original plan.
I have also developed a systematic approach towards my work. I can say that before doing this
personal project, I would reach a final product without following steps or by planning and
programming it first. However, for this project, as the project is so big and important, it was
necessary. Once I have finished the project, I have reflected that it is inevitable to create a journal
and a plan for achieving the product before starting it. I have therefore learnt how to apply the
Design Cycle in this project. The design cycle consists of programming, designing, testing,
reflecting. The skills that I have certainly just acquired throughout the experience of the personal
project, will help me to be more efficient and organized in my scholastic and job career in order to
continue pursuing my dreams and get through the next challenges and out of comfort experiences.
In addition, this personal project made me develop some skills of the learner profile and ATL skills.
For example, I have improved my research skill because, both for the learning goal and product, I
had to do research to find the right and reliable website to follow courses about programming C or
to find examples of projects that people have done with the Arduino. I have spent a lot of time
researching and not all the times were successful and efficient, I have for sure learnt how to find a
reliable, trustable source of information. An attribute that I developed as a learner is being a
risk-taker: I have been a risk-taker, I got out of my comfort zone, I have challenged myself. Being
risk-takers means approaching uncertainty with forethought and determination; working
independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. Being resourceful
and resilient in the face of challenges and change. I believe that I have done all that. Now that I am
fully conscious of what a risk-taker does, I will be able to use this skill also in other situations.
In conclusion, I believe that his project made me grow and made me realize which skills are
important to develop and use in order to be successful and able to achieve all the plans and goals
and also dreams. Therefore, this project helped me make a new useful experience. Moreover, I
was able to expand my learning and acquire new, important skills and knowledge that I would then
use to continue pursuing my goals and dreams.

Image of the circuit I made using the Arduino to create an automatic hand sanitiser. I was working
on it during the holiday and after school.

C.2 Evaluation of my product

My final product was an automatic hand sanitizer which can be used to prevent the spread of
pathogens. My final product was the proof that I have acquired new skills and knowledge about
programming C as I was able to program the Arduino. Arduino is often used to get started with
coding, programming and robotics. I believe that the skills I have gained throughout this project
and the experiences I've had, are very useful and helped me develop interest in the topic of
robotics.
I decided to use the method WWW, EBI, to evaluate my final product because I believe it is very
useful and effective, it is easy to identify the criteria I fulfilled and also the ones where I need to
work on and improve. In fact, I like to use this method because it gives me the opportunity to find
the area of improvement which I find very important because I always want to improve and give all
of my potential. Therefore, from the table I immediately understand which skills I need to improve
and which parts are more challenging for me. The method doesn’t suggest that there is something
I did perfectly and something that went very wrong and that I was unable to complete, I think it
would also make me lose motivation in improving because I know I put all of my effort and energies
to complete this project also that there were ups and downs and many challenges. Therefore, I
prefer to use a method that makes me understand how to reach an excellent level and how to
make something be even better.

Image of my final product, the automatic hand sanitiser.

Success criteria Definition WWW EBI

product (What Went Well) (Even Better If)

Function: It is important that my I was able to Although the sanitizer

The automatic product works perfectly. successfully program works, I had a
sanitizer dispenser Every time someone puts the arduino. However, different plan in my
works and is the hand under the I found it more mind but due to some
resistant. sensor, the gel has to challenging to build electrical implications,
come out in the right the box and fix all the I had to change the
quantity. components in the electrical circuit and
I will test this when I put right way. The layout of the
the sanitizer dispenser in function of my hand dispenser.
my classroom. I will look sanitizer is what I
if people use it and if it have planned. Some
distributes the gel to of my family
everyone. members and
classmates have
tested the hand
sanitiser.

Aesthetic: The sanitizer dispenser The final result is Although the

The dispenser will will be a cylinder made of similar to what my dispenser stayed up
be of a certain plastic which contains expectations were. In and was of the color I
color and certain the sanitizer bottle and the end, I have built a wanted, it is not
shape arduino. The dispenser box made with aesthetically nice and
will be coloured in blue resistant cardboard to I would doubtlessly
so it is visible and also fit the arduino and the work more on the
follows the colors of the sanitizer. The box is a structure of the box
school. Moreover, there parallelogram instead and choose other
should be a sign giving of a cylinder. materials. Moreover,
the instruction to place Moreover, the colors at the start, I had very
 the hand under the of the dispenser is as high expectations and
sensor. I planned it to be and I dreamt the dispenser
it also has a sign would be slightly
indicating it is a hand different. However,
sanitizer and a sign because of little time
giving the instruction and other problems, I
to place the hand had to change the
under the sensor. layout of the
dispenser.

Environmental The sanitizer dispenser Yes, I was able to

considerations: will be functional create and program a
The product’s because it distributes dispenser which
function is to save only the necessary distributes a small but
time, help the amount of gel. This will right dose of sanitizer.
environment and indirectly help the I believed it was very
reduce the risk of environment as the important to find the
viruses passed sanitizer will be more angle of rotation of
with contact. durable and less plastic the motor in order to
bottles will be consumed. make the amount I
It will also be time wanted to come out,
consuming, you place the in fact at the end, my
hand under the sensor dispenser saves
and then you walk away. product and also
It will also reduce the risk decreases the amount
of viral viruses like of plastic bottles
Covid-19 that can be used.
passed only with the
contact of surfaces.

User: The sanitizer dispenser I wanted to place the

Who will use the will be placed inside the dispenser in my
product and where G11 classroom. classroom but at the
will it be placed. Therefore, the users will end, I discovered that
be G11 students and the the motor I had used
teachers that will enter was not strong
that room. enough and after a
few pumps it would
be too weak to make
other gel come out.
Therefore, I could not
put it in the classroom
as I would need to buy
another motor to
make it work properly.
In conclusion, my product has the function I thought of and the Arduino and programming part
works. However, the aesthetics of the box is not what I wanted it to be and I would need to work on
it more. Overall, I am very satisfied with my final product and although all of the challenges and
problems that have encountered in my creating of the sanitizer, I believe that I have achieved both
of my learning goal and product and mostly completed the success criteria. This was a good start
and I believe that I have a clearer idea on what this topic is about.