Below are detailed notes tailored for ZIMSEC learners on how to write their school-based projects based

on the provided structure. The notes explain each stage thoroughly and provide practical guidance on
how to approach it.

Stage 1 - Problem Identification. 5 marks

Stage 2 - Investigation of related ideas of the problem/ innovation. 10 marks

Stage 3 - Generation of possible solutions. 10 marks

Stage 4 - Selecting the most suitable solution. 5 marks

Stage 5 - Refinement of selected solution. 5 marks

Stage 6 - Presentation of final solution. 10 marks

Stage 7 - Evaluation of the solution and recommendations. 5 marks

Total 50 marks

Notes for ZIMSEC Learners on Writing School-Based Projects

Your school-based project is an opportunity to solve a real-world problem in a practical and structured
way. It consists of seven stages, and each stage builds on the previous one. Below is a detailed guide on
how to tackle each stage effectively.

Stage 1: Problem Identification

This is the foundation of your project. You need to clearly define the problem you want to solve.

Topic

Choose a practical topic that relates to your community, school, or daily life. It should be something you
can investigate and solve.

Example: "Reducing water wastage at school" or "Improving waste disposal in my neighborhood."

Tip: Make sure the topic is specific, not too broad (e.g., avoid "Pollution" – instead, use "Reducing
littering at the school playground").

Background of the Problem

Explain why this problem exists and how it started. Provide context so the reader understands the issue.

Include facts, observations, or examples from your surroundings.

Example: "In my school, taps are often left running after break time, leading to water wastage. This has
been happening for months because there’s no system to remind students to close them."
Statement of the Problem

Write a clear sentence or two summarizing the problem. This is the "what" of your project.

Example: "The problem is that students leave taps running, causing water wastage and increasing the
school’s water bill."

Research Question

Pose a question your project will answer. It guides your investigation.

Example: "How can we reduce water wastage caused by taps left running at school?"

Tip: Keep it simple and focused.

Research Objective

State the goal of your project. What do you aim to achieve?

Example: "To design a solution that ensures taps are turned off after use and reduces water wastage by
at least 50%."

Tip: Make it measurable if possible.

Significance of the Problem

Explain why solving this problem matters. Who benefits? What’s the impact?

Example: "Reducing water wastage will save money for the school, conserve water for the community,
and teach students responsibility."

Tip: Link it to real benefits for people or the environment.

Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas of the Problem/Innovation

This stage is about researching what others have done to solve similar problems.

What to Do:

Look for existing solutions or ideas related to your problem. This could be from books, the internet, or
asking people (e.g., teachers, parents, or community members).

Example: "Research shows that some schools use automatic shut-off taps, while others use signs to
remind students to save water."

How to Tackle It:

Note their advantages and disadvantages. For example:

"Automatic taps save water but are expensive."

"Signs are cheap but might be ignored."

Tip:

Use simple language and give credit to your sources (e.g., “I learned from a website that…”).

Stage 3: Generation of Possible Idea Solutions

Now, brainstorm your own ideas to solve the problem.

What to Do:

Come up with at least 3–5 possible solutions based on your research and creativity.

Example for water wastage:

"Put up colorful posters near taps."

"Assign monitors to check taps during break."

"Design a simple timer for taps using local materials."

How to Tackle It:

List each idea and briefly explain how it works.

Don’t worry about perfection yet – just get your ideas down.

Tip:

Be practical. Think about resources available to you (e.g., paper, wood, or recycled materials).

Stage 4: Selecting the Most Suitable Solution

Choose the best idea from Stage 3.

What to Do:

Compare your ideas based on factors like cost, ease of implementation, effectiveness, and availability of
materials.

Example: "Posters are cheap and easy to make but might not work long-term. A timer costs more but
solves the problem better."
How to Tackle It:

Write a short table or list to show your comparison.

Example:

Idea 1: Posters – Cost: Low, Effectiveness: Medium

Idea 2: Monitors – Cost: None, Effectiveness: High (but needs effort)

Idea 3: Timer – Cost: Medium, Effectiveness: High

Pick one solution and explain why it’s the best.

Example: “I chose the timer because it directly stops water wastage and doesn’t rely on people’s
behavior.”

Tip:

Be logical and justify your choice.

Stage 5: Refinement of Selected Solution

Improve your chosen solution to make it practical and workable.

What to Do:

Think about how to make your solution better or easier to use.

Example: "The timer could be made from a plastic bottle and string to pull the tap closed after 30
seconds."

How to Tackle It:

Describe the materials you’ll use and how you’ll make or implement the solution.

Include a simple sketch or diagram if possible (e.g., draw the timer setup).

Test your idea mentally: Will it work? Is it affordable?

Tip:

Keep it simple and use locally available materials.

Stage 6: Presentation of Final Solution

Showcase your solution clearly and professionally.

What to Do:
Write a detailed explanation of your final solution.

Example: "My solution is a bottle-timer tap system. A plastic bottle filled with water is tied to the tap
with a string. When the tap is opened, the water drains out slowly, and after 30 seconds, the string pulls
the tap closed."

How to Tackle It:

Include:

How it works (step-by-step).

Materials needed (e.g., bottle, string, tape).

Benefits (e.g., saves water, low cost).

Add a drawing or model if required by your teacher.

Tip:

Use clear, simple sentences so anyone can understand.

Stage 7: Evaluation of the Solution and Recommendations

Reflect on your solution and suggest improvements or next steps.

What to Do:

Evaluate how well your solution solves the problem.

Example: "The timer reduces water wastage by closing taps automatically, but it might need someone to
refill the bottle daily."

How to Tackle It:

Answer these questions:

Does it work as planned?

What are its strengths? (e.g., “It’s cheap and effective.”)

What are its weaknesses? (e.g., “The bottle might leak.”)

Make recommendations:

Example: "I recommend testing it for a week and using a stronger bottle to avoid leaks."

Tip:

Be honest about limitations and proactive with suggestions.

Be Practical: Focus on solutions you can actually test or make with available resources.

Write Clearly: Use headings for each stage and short sentences.

Plan Your Time: Don’t rush – give each stage enough attention.

Ask for Feedback: Show your draft to a teacher or friend to improve it.

By following these steps, you’ll create a well-structured project that solves a real problem and impresses
your examiners. Good luck!

Compiled by: Moyo A.