School: Ming Lun Junior High School
    Changhua County, Taiwan, Taiwan R.O.C

9 students, ages 13-14 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 9, 2024. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2018?2019

Classes and Teachers: Ming-Yu Huang

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.mljh.chc.edu.tw

1. Description of Our Community

Changhua, located in central Taiwan, is an area with flourishing agricultural development. The agricultural environment here mainly consists of crops such as rice, vegetables, and fruits. Due to its advantageous geographical location, mild climate, and fertile soil, it is conducive to the growth of crops, leading to a well-developed agricultural sector. In Changhua, the use of agricultural machinery is quite common, assisting farmers in enhancing productivity. The types of agricultural machinery include plows, seeders, harvesters, among others, which help farmers save time and effort in farming activities. However, Taiwan mostly comprises small-scale farms with limited cultivation areas, making large agricultural machinery less practical. Instead, there is a demand for small-scale agricultural machinery or labor-saving devices. However, conventional agricultural machinery companies tend to overlook the development of agricultural machinery with low profitability and limited market potential. Therefore, government agencies, such as agricultural departments, have established agricultural machinery research laboratories to address the needs of farmers. Hence, our aim is to study this topic and understand the process of agricultural machinery development.

2. Summary of Our Project

Agricultural machinery refers to mechanical equipment used in agricultural production, aimed at improving productivity, reducing labor intensity, and enhancing the quality of agricultural products. Common agricultural machinery includes tractors, harvesters, seeders, irrigation equipment, fertilizers, weeders, and more. These machines can be selected and applied according to different crops and cultivation methods to meet the needs of various farms. The use of agricultural machinery not only increases the yield and quality of agricultural products but also saves labor and time costs, thus playing an essential role in modern agricultural production. In our research, we have selected the Agricultural Machinery Research Laboratory of the Taichung District Agricultural Improvement Station under the Ministry of Agriculture as our research subject to understand how this unit addresses the needs of farmers and the process of developing agricultural machinery.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

E. Additional comments concerning your computer and/or Internet access (Optional):

The school's network is a 100MB fiber optic connection to the Changhua County Education Network Center, while most teachers' and students' home networks are cable TV broadband, ADSL, or 10MB fiber optic networks.

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

In this project, we encountered a series of challenges. One of the challenges in agricultural machinery design is the technical complexity, requiring extensive technical and engineering knowledge, including principles of mechanical design, materials science, fluid dynamics, electronic control, and more. Therefore, developing agricultural machinery is not a simple task. Fortunately, with the guidance and support of professional developers from the agricultural machinery research lab, we were able to complete the project. In addition to technical challenges, we also faced pressures such as time management and resource allocation. However, through good planning and effective communication, we successfully overcame these challenges and achieved the project's goals on time. This experience has made us more familiar with the design and development process of agricultural machinery, as well as enhancing our professional skills and teamwork spirit.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

We can help society through research on Cyberfair. By studying and understanding the development process of agricultural machinery, we recognize its importance to farmers.

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

In our project, communication skills, writing proficiency, and teamwork are crucial. Faced with a significant workload, we must efficiently allocate tasks and ensure each member contributes their full potential. Through effective communication, we ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and objectives, working together toward common goals. Writing is key to conveying ideas, requiring adept organization and clarity. Lastly, teamwork fosters mutual support, assistance, and effective problem-solving. These skills are not only vital for our project but also beneficial for future endeavors in life and career.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

The software we use includes: Word 2013: Text input and organization MUSE CC: Web page creation Photocap: Photo editing nEO IMAGING: Photo management FileZilla: Web page uploading Line: Instant messaging FB Association: Online discussion and data exchange Google Drive: Online hard drive data exchange The devices we use are: Computer: Writing interview content, editing web pages, editing images USB flash drive: Data exchange, storing photos, interviews Smartphone: Photography, communication Notebook: Mobile writing of interview content Camera: Photography Voice recorder: Interview recording

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

Through visiting the Agricultural Machinery Research Laboratory and understanding their research outcomes and operational attributes firsthand, we gained insight into how they assist farmers. By immersing ourselves in the research and development process, we attempted to conceptualize our own agricultural machinery designs. We compiled the gathered data in hopes of providing a reference platform for farmers in need of agricultural machinery technology.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

The project investigating agricultural machinery development has had several positive impacts on our community. Firstly, it has enhanced our understanding of agricultural machinery technology, promoting modernization and efficiency in agricultural production. Secondly, our research provides farmers with more choices and resources to better cope with the increasingly complex agricultural production environment. Additionally, our project helps to improve farmers' living standards and income, thereby enhancing the overall economic condition of the community. In summary, this project brings more development opportunities and potential for improved quality of life to our community.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

This project encourages other community members to participate as helpers and volunteers in various ways. Firstly, community members can contribute by providing valuable insights, expertise, or resources related to agriculture, engineering, or technology. They can also volunteer their time and skills to assist with data collection, analysis, or field testing of agricultural machinery prototypes. Furthermore, community members can support the project by spreading awareness, sharing information, and advocating for the importance of agricultural mechanization in enhancing local farming practices and livelihoods.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

In the process of researching agricultural machinery development, we have gained many valuable discoveries, lessons, and surprises. Firstly, we realize the crucial importance of continuous innovation in agricultural machinery for enhancing agricultural productivity. By constantly improving and developing new technologies, we can manufacture more efficient and reliable agricultural equipment, thereby increasing crop yields and quality. Secondly, through the process of developing agricultural machinery, we have learned many valuable lessons. One of these lessons is the importance of integrating technology with the practical needs of farmers. Understanding the working environment and requirements of farmers can help us design machinery equipment that is more closely aligned with real-world applications, thus improving its usability and efficiency. Another lesson is the importance of continuous testing and feedback during the development process. By closely collaborating with actual users, we can promptly identify and address issues, continuously improving the performance and quality of the products.