Overview

 

Your science project research paper describes the research base for your project. It is not just a description of your project. In addition, it is a summary of science and research background related to the topic being investigated. For example, it might discuss some of the following:

l        What is the topic of interest?

l        What is already known about the topic?

l        What are some significant experiments that have been done before in the same or similar area?

l        Who has done the principle research in the area?

l        What key question will your project try to answer?

l        What is your hypothesis? This is not just a prediction of the result, but your science basis for making that prediction? Why will that result occur?

l        What variables are significant to hold constant, to manipulate, and to measure for response?

l        If your hypothesis is supported by the experimental data, what conclusion will it allow you to make?

 

Format

1. Title page will include the title of the paper, your name, date, and class.
2. Title page may also include creative and tasteful use of graphics, color, etc.
3. The body of the paper is in 12 point Times New Roman, double spaced, with 1 inch margins.
4. The body of the paper will be a minimum of 3 pages for middle school students. Only the body counts in this minimum, not the title, contents, bibliography, etc.
5. The bibliography will cite all of your references. Middle school students need at least 3 references with at least one not an internet resource. “Not internet” means a published print work of some kind: magazine or journal article, presented conference paper, research report, published book, etc. These resources may be found on the internet, but must be originally from the printed resource.
6. The writing should be your original work. You may not cut/paste except when citing someone else's work.

 

Due dates

 

Your research paper draft is due Tuesday, November 18 and counts as a homework grade.

The final paper is due Tuesday November 25 and counts as a homework grade.