How to write a Science Research Paper General writing rules Never refer to yourself in the first person (I, me, my). Always refer to yourself in the third person ( the researcher, scientist, student, investigator). Proof read and spell check everything! Double space all typed pages. Title page The title should be in the form of a question. The student’s name, date, class period and teacher’s name should be centered or placed in the lower right hand corner. This page is NOT numbered. Abstract Follows the title page. Numbered with roman numerals. NOT listed in the table of contents. This page is written AFTER completion of the experiment. Written in past tense, and not limited to one page. Abstract continued… The abstract is an overall summary of the experiment completed by the researcher. Should be approximately 150-250 words. Must be completed on the form found at: http://www.floridassef.net Answer the following 3 questions, but do not write the questions. What was the researcher trying to do in the experiment? What actually happened in the experiment? Of what significance were the actual findings or results? Table of Contents The following sections are listed in order, with their beginning page numbers. Statement of Purpose…pg 1 Research…pg 2 Hypothesis Experiment Materials Procedure Data and observations Analysis and discussion Conclusion Application Recommendations Bibliography Acknowledgements Appendix Statement of Purpose Always page #1. First topic listed in the Table of Contents. Should be a clear and concise statement to identify the reason for the investigation. Should be only one or two sentences long. Should always begin with the following words: The researcher completed experimentation to find out… Research header The title for the “Research” section. Only the word ”research” goes on this page. It is always page # 2. Research  Minimum of 5 pages typed  Organize the information  All information must be cited within the paragraph and all sources must be included in the bibliography  Includes all aspects of the project requiring information: how to set up experiments, information needed to form hypotheses and all scientific laws and theories that apply to the question.  Save good visuals for the Appendix (see Appendix section) Hypothesis This is your educated prediction on how the experiment will turn out. Your prediction should be based upon backround materials you have read. It is a statement that begins with the word “IF” and contains the word “THEN” and “BECAUSE”. Example: If Tide, Cheer and Surf detergents are used to remove stains than Tide will remove stains the best of the three detergents because it contains enzymes to dissolve stains while the other two do not. Experiment Header Title for the Experiment portion of the paper. Only the word “Experiment” goes on the page. Materials All of the materials that are used for the experiment must be listed and numbered. Be sure to include the sizes, amounts, brand names of all items used.  Metric measurements Procedures List and number all of the steps for the experiment in the order they occur. Each step should begin with a verb ( pour, mix, add, heat, stir, rinse….) Must be written so that it can be easily replicated from your directions, do not leave out any “simple” procedures or assume the reader should already know how to do something. If a step is to be repeated, you may write “repeat step number ___.  All data must be numerical  Photograph experiment for board!!! Do not include in report. Data and Observation This section is where you report your measured and/or observed results from your experiment. Should be in chart, graph or paragraph form. Direction of compass needle 100 80 60 East West 40 (Graphs and charts preferred). North 20 0 Measurements should be in metric units. All charts or graphs must have a clear explanation and be properly labeled trial 1 trial 2 trial 3 trial 4 Analysis and discussion Hypothesis proven correctThe researcher has found that his/her hypothesis was correct, that if you ___________then___________________. Hypothesis proven incorrectThe researcher’s hypothesis was incorrect, though he predicted___________ he actually learned that_________________. Discuss details of the results in paragraph form after completing one of the above statements. Conclusion The researcher has learned that _____________________________. Give details about what you learned from the results/project. What went well, what went horribly wrong? At least one full paragraph. Application At least 3 ways that the results of your experiment can be used in everyday life. You need to discuss how your results could be used, think globally. Recommendations Answer the following questions in complete sentences (at least one complete sentence per question). What problems did you encounter? What part of the experiment would you change? What part of the experiment/project would you like to learn more about? Did you have to modify or start over at any point? Bibliography View this web site for the proper bibliography format: http://www.bialik.netaxis.qc.ca/homework/stylesheet2.htm At least five bibliography entries.  Must include MSDS reference for any chemicals used. Acknowledgements Thank the people that helped you. Appendix Additional “stuff” that enhances your report. Extra graphs, photos, diagrams etc...