how to write a science paper. numbering upper right hand corner of each page including title page,...
TRANSCRIPT
HOW TO WRITE A SCIENCE PAPER
Numbering
Upper right hand corner of each page including title page, type a shorthand version of your title followed by five spaces and the page number
Parts of the Paper
Title Page
Abstract- short summary in 1 paragraph Introduction – about three pages
Materials / Methods – List materials, method in numbered form Data – tables with headings
Results – Graphs, Charts,Statistical calculations, etc. Discussion of Results – summarize the tables and graphs
Conclusion Bibliography
Acknowledgements – be sure to acknowledge your parental types and any mentor
TITLE PAGE
Short title 1
Title of your project centered
Name
Class and PeriodGrade
TeacherDate (February 7 2011)
Abstract
The abstract is a short one paragraph summary of your project:1. State what the project is and why it was important to do this project
2. Summarize method used3. Summarize data that was collected
4. Explain why this data is important to the real world
Center the word abstract 1 inch from the top of the page Double space
175-250 words that expresses your main idea and key points, it may also include implications or applications
INTRODUCTION
1. First paragraph: summarize project: what is it and why was it done, what are the variables (ind., dep., control), give hypothesis with
explanation2. Second paragraph and on: give research and background info to
explain any topic used in project and to explain more indepth the logic behind hypothesis
Be sure to reference anything that is not common knowledge The rule of thumb is, when in doubt, cite the reference in APA
style… (author, date). REMEMBER…. PERSONAL PRONOUNS ARE NOT TO BE
USED!
(goes in the first paragraph of Intro) Variables
Controlled variables: These are the things that are kept the same throughout your experiments.
Independent variable: The one variable that you purposely change and test.
Dependent variable: The measure of change observed because of the independent variable. It is important to decide how you are going to measure the change.
(goes in the Intro) Hypothesis
Based on the research you have done, you will be writing an answer or solution – your best educated
guess – to your question. Make sure you write down your hypothesis before you begin your experiment.
(goes in the Intro) Research Have three to five good research sources to help one to
understand your project (background information) or to explain hypothesis more indepth.
Also, using primary sources in this section is a great way to support your hypothesis.
Ideas about background info:
Physics laws and equations needed, parts of the brain described, how a plant takes in water/nutrients, plant
anatomy, chemical structures and jobs in the body, bacteria structure
MATERIALS
List all materials in the project in bulleted format
METHODS
In numbered format, describe the procedure used to conduct your experiment
One step per number If you are using a kit’s instructions or copying on-line instructions, make sure you make it fit to what you did in
your project
DATA AND RESULTS This section should include any tables, charts, graphs, or other data
which you have. Give all raw data that was collected in a table
Include averages on the raw data tables However, with the results (which are your graphs and stats), only
show the important data (not all raw data has to be seen in the graphs…the averages could be used, for example)
Do not use the typical graphs and colors that Excel creates…make the tables and graphs unique to you (but still clear and to the point)
and make it look like you knew how to be manipulate Excel
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
In this section, each of the charts and graphs are explained as to what they are or what they show
Nothing more (no research here), just a summary of the data and graphs (usually a nice paragraph in length)
CONCLUSIONS
This is where you research to explain your outcomes!!! What did you determine? (paragraph)
Was your hypothesis supported? Why or why not? (research to explain…many paragraphs)
What could you have done differently? (paragraph)
What could you do to expand this project in the future? (paragraph)
In the end, three pages is a good length for the Conclusion
Bibliography
This is a bibliography All references should be listed in alphabetical order of the
author See Bedford (and I will hand out APA examples)
ACKNOWLEGMENTS
This is the place where you thank your parents for driving you to lab and putting up with you while you do
this If you worked at another facility, this is where you thank
the facility and people who helped you. Only page in which personal pronouns can be used
PROJECT BOARDCON
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS
METHODS
CONCLUSIONMATERIALS
RESULTS(include your graphs here
DATA TABLES
PICTURES PICTURES
Project board should be
NEAT DO NOT WRITE FREE HAND
BE CREATIVE FIRST IMPRESSIONS GO A LONG WAY INCLUDE PICTURES WHEN POSSIBLE
Ex. TAKE PICTURES OF YOURSELF WORKING IN THE LAB PICTURES OF YOUR PROJECT / EQUIPMENT
AT YOUR DISPLAY : NO LIVE PLANTS OR ANIMALS, NO WATER, NO CHEMICALS, NO AGAR PLATES
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE
SCIENCE FAIR DAY
Dress for success – no JEANS Be on time- DON’T COME AT THE LAST MINUTE
NO GUM Introduce yourself to the judges – shake hands, look the
judges in the eye Ask the judges about themselves (where they work, what
they do…) Be confident in yourself, your project, and what you know…
you are the expert on your project