CyberFair Project ID: 6688

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International Schools CyberFair Project Narrative
Title: The Best Tires of Taiwan-Chen Shin Tire
Category: 3. Business and Community Organizations
URL: http://librarywork.taiwanschoolnet.org/gsh2011/gsh6688/index.html
Bibliography: http://librarywork.taiwanschoolnet.org/gsh2011/gsh6688/biblio.htm

School: Changhua County Nanguo Elementary School
    Changhua City, Taiwan, Taiwan

9 students, ages 10-11 years old worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 13, 2011. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): 2011

Classes and Teachers: Li-hua Lung, Ya-ling Chen, Chia-ming Wu

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://

Project Overview

1. Description of Our Community

1. Background of Nanguo Elementary School Nanguo Elementary School was founded over 90 years ago during the Japanese Occupation Period. Located in Changhua City, Changhua County, the school is surrounded by government agencies, colleges and universities and medical institutions. Nanguo Elementary School has a tradition of simplicity and honesty, as well as a philosophy of innovations and diversity. We interact frequently with community residents and neighboring schools so that we are endowed with extensive community resources and diversified human resources. We therefore want to identify a research topic from our community life.

2. Background of Cheng Shin Tire The large number of non-tech manufacturers in Changhua remains one of the economic pillars in Taiwan. Cheng Shin Tire is one of the non-tech manufacturers that have successfully transformed themselves. The recipe of its success lies in a balance between the old and the new and the creation of a second lease of life. We seek to identify a research topic from local manufacturers, in order to prove that it is possible to become a hero from zero.

2. Summary of Our Project

Cheng Shin Tire has manufacturing facilities in Yuanlin, Zhongzhuang, Dacun and Hsichou, Changhua County. Throughout its 40 years history, it has been providing job opportunities and driving the local economy. Its brand name, Maxxis, is known internationally. Cheng Shin Tire is the first Taiwanese company that became one of the top 10 tire manufacturers in the world. We hope to introduce the knowledge regarding tires and the dedications of Cheng Shin Tire with this Cyberfair project and have fun with our creative activities.

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:2-3

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

1. Internet at school The network in school is part of Taiwan Academic Network (TaNet). As all the members are in the gifted and talented class, we have access to the computers and Internet available to these classes. Each of us has one computer, with authorized software, to search information and edit/produce texts, pictures, videos and webpages. 2. Internet at home As each family has its own requirements for the Internet, the network infrastructure varies from one family to another. All families have access to broadband, sufficient for our needs to search information. However, we used computers and Internet access at school because we had to discuss the project faced-to-faced.

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

1. Selection of research topic We were interested in a number of topics and had problems deciding on which one. In the end, anonymous votes selected “Cheng Shin Tire” as our research topic.

2. Questionnaire design As we wanted to understand how different groups of people perceive Cheng Shin Tire, we had to come up with different versions of questionnaires. We were often beating our brains over questionnaire design. After our brainstorming sessions and with the assistance from the teachers, we finally came up with three versions.

3. Limited time We all have different plans after school but we had to work together a lot for this project. It was a little difficult in scheduling. However, we managed to allocate a few timeslots after discussions with family and teachers. Given the time limitations, we completed our tasks with efficiency. This made us realize the importance of schedule planning.

4. Transportation The distance from our school to Cheng Shin Tire is i not manageable by walk. We asked our teachers and p parents to drive us back and forth.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

This Cyberfair project allows us to understand tires we see in our everyday life, and to explore the rubber industry. We came to realize that there is so much knowledge involved in ordinary objects in life. In our interactions with personnel from Cheng Shin Tire, we understand that success requires dedication and attention to details. We were so inspired that we put in 100% of our focus on this research project. In the design of tread patterns and the creative use of waste tires, we witnessed how creativity can generate value. We all learned a lot from this research. It was a valuable experience after we managed to overcome the challenges!

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

About Learning Objectives: 1.Mandarin * Data collection & consolidation * Skills in generalization, summarization and writing * Enhancement of presentation skills 2.Math * Calculation of percentages in order to determine the number of questionnaires released * Introduction to descriptive statistics and adoption of appropriate charts according to statistical data 3.Social Sciences * Introduction to the history and development of local companies * Identification of the locations of global facilities with maps and Google Earth 4.Natural Sciences & Technologies * Introduction to rubber as a cash crop * Learning about basic chemistry associated with tire manufacturing, e.g. vulcanization * Understanding of and experience in technological applications in life * Discussion of environment pollutions and preventions 5.Art & Culture * Exercise of creativity on waste tires * Design of cards and briefings 6.Team Work * Cooperation and mutual assistance for project efficiency * Expression of oneself and appropriate communications with team members 7.Career development * Learning about different job functions and job descriptions from company visits * Exploration of interests and aptitudes * Learning the correct work attitudes from company staff

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Project Elements

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

*Hardware 1.PC/laptop:Writing and storage of texts, production of animations and presentation of materials outside school. 2.Printers:Printing of documents Photocopying machines Photocopying of questionnaires and documents 3.Digital cameras:Recording of visits, promotions at school and outside school and presentation of research findings 4.Digital video cameras:Recording of visits and production of promotion clips 5.ProjectorsL:Power Point presentations 6.Scanners:Scanning of the pictures in literature 7.Memory sticks:Storage of files *software 1.Office 2007:Word, Power Point and Excel (to analyze questionnaire survey results) 2.Internet Explorer:Search information related to tires 3.Windows Movie Maker:Production of stop-motion animations 4.Google Earth:Locating of production facilities 5.MS Paint/photo impact Cropping and editing of pictures 6.i-software:Production of posters 7.Cyberlink Power Directors:Production of promotional video clips 8.Dreamweaver:Production of webpages 9.Emails, telephones/mobile phones:File transfers and communication

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

Cheng Shin Tire became a successful company based on its roots in Changhua. We can see their advertisements everywhere we go and tires play a pivotal role in our daily life. Before this research project, we knew every little about Cheng Shin Tire. We attempted to gain an understanding with questionnaire surveys and interviews, conversations over the phone and emails, seminars and workshops. We also organized campaigns in school and outside schools to share our knowledge with others. Most of the communication with Mr. Jiang, R&D Manager of Cheng Shin Tire was over emails, rather than on the phone. Emailing saves paper and is a convenient way of sending data. Mr. Jiang usually replies emails in English. Our teachers shared with us the contents of his mails and some of the English words he used were new to us. This made us realize how important the English language is.

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

In addition to the application of the previously acquired research techniques, we also learned a lot about tires. We came to realize that every job has its value and work attitudes are important. There are all walks of life in a society and it takes efforts from everybody to form an orderly, progressive and innovative society. When we started with this project, we knew next to nothing about the work environment and job descriptions in the manufacturing industries. The Cyberfair project provided us with a great opportunity for us to find out all these things. Cheng Shin Tire provides jobs of different functions. All employees, regardless of hierarchical levels, play their roles and serve their functions to make the operations smooth. This team spirit is also applicable to school life. This is what we should learn. Cheng Shin Tire is a local manufacturer in Changhua. It provides many job opportunities and drives the local economy. The company is also known for their impressive operational results. However, most people do not have an opportunity to know more about Cheng Shin Tire. We hope to provide an interesting introduction of the company with our questionnaire surveys and campaigns.

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

*Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co., Ltd. 1.Organization of seminars and company visits Provision of texts and images required (including both printed and electronic files) 2.Provision of the materials for creativity activities Assistance in the production of 3D model of bicycle tires 3.Consultation 4.Sponsorship of campus promotional campaigns and activity prizes *Community shops & residents 1.Questionnaire surveys & assistance in promotion campaigns *other schools(Chung Shan Elementary School, Changhua County& Taihe Elementary School, Changhua County) 1.Assistance in inter-school promotions *Parents of students 1.Transportation & pick-ups

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

We did not know how complex and labour-intensive the manufacturing of tires is until we visited the factories. We saw the operators classify the products and make sure the products are of the best quality. Tires are not simple although they are everywhere in our daily life. We thank the production-line operators for their efforts and dedications. Many classmates were hesitant to ask questions because they were not familiar with the subject matter. I developed the courage to ask questions, with the encouragement from the teachers. Cheng Shin Tire’s managers gave great answers. I realized that you can only find out answers by asking questions. Our progress was sometimes held up as a result of overdue assignments. This highlights the importance of team work. The success of Cheng Shin Tire lies in their work on each detail. They pay great attention to quality management, staff training and development. They are our learning model.

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