Research is a crucial part to any experiment. You have to be informed and aware of what you'll be dealing with, both for your safety and also so that you'll be able to understand WHY your results happened the way they did.
Your research notes MUST correspond with the topic submitted in your topic proposal. So, if you research a source and realize this topic isn't for you, it is permissible to change your topic and start your research over with your new topic.
Your research notes will be written by hand in your logbook. These are to be completed individually. You will need to include notes from FIVE different (and credible) sources. Each of your five sources needs an APA Bibliography.
Important: Any projects involving vertebrate animals, bacteria, and/or human subjects will be required to obtain extra approval which will take extra time. This means you won't have quite as much time to experiment as other projects. Proceed with those topics only if you're in agreement and willing to be patient.