investigatory project ( PROCEDURE )

C. Procedure

First, the researches gathered pigweed plant. Then, they spread cardboard matting on the ground and the plant samples were placed on them in thin piles so that it can be dried easily. The pigweed or uray plants were dried under the sun or thirty days more until they are ready for burning. They burned the dried plants at a high temperature. The fire should reduce the wood to white ash. After the fire has cooled, they collected the white ash in a sealed container to keep it dry and contaminated. They collected rain water or stream water. This water is less contaminated and is the ideal source for traditional lye making. The proper water is essential to the process. They measure the uray’s ash using measuring cup and a beaker. They followed the method of preparation that the quantity of ash and water must be in equal proportion. They poured a hot water over the ash. They slowly added cool water, until the water dripped from the container. Using the stirring rod, the stirred the ash until it mixed with water. The mixture is called calcium and sodium carbonate. With the use of another container the mixtures was strained using a white clean cloth for three hours. Then they drained out again using oslo/filter paper into a safe container. The filtered brownish water is the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or lye which will be used as food additive. To assure that the solution last longer, they boiled it again for half an hour. Then they let it cooled ready to put in the bottle. They measured the desired contents of the bottle, using graduated cylinder and beaker.