- Your report should be detailed enough to allow someone else to duplicate your experiment exactly.
- Be sure to include charts and graphs to summarize your data.
- The report should not only talk about your successful experimental attempts, but also the problems you encountered and how you solved them.
- In preparing the paper, the author should be concerned with the following mechanics:
The paper must be typed, doubled spaced and have at least one-inch margins.
Use only one side of the page.
The font style and size (ex: 12 pt, Times New Roman) must be appropriate for a scientific paper.
The paper must be neat and legible.
There is no limit on the number of pages permitted in the project session portion of the exposition.
Type the last name of the student listed on the first line of the abstract at the top of each page.
Tabular information should be kept to a minimum. Each table, chart, or drawing should not be more than one page in length and tabular data should not be duplicated in the text. Headings for tables and columns should be brief.
Graphs should be suitably titled and have both axes correctly labeled. Do not forget to include the correct units of measurement for any numbers.
Photographs should be of good quality and contrast, and should have captions typed under them.
The use of the first person “I” or “We” should be avoided whenever possible. Terms such as “The research experiment” or “The exhibitor” are examples of third person usage.
- The following section establishes the basic written report requirements. The main point to keep in mind is to think before you write, then reÂthink, revise, rewrite, and reread again and again. Make it clear and concise. The paper must include (in this order):
Abstarct – is a concise summary of your work. It should be typed single-spaced with maximum 250 words. Use the form in the Appendix (only the front side of the form should be used).
Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form. This form is required to be completed for all projects prior to experimentation. Use the form found in the Appendix.
Endorsements – when human or non-human vertebrates or microorganisms are used, endorsement sheets are required. Forms are found in the Appendix. Approval letters should follow endorsements, if required.
Title Page – your title should be concise and clear.
Table of Contents – include page numbers.
Acknowledgments – should give credit to those who have helped you in your investigations for guidance, materials, and/or use of facilities.
Purpose and Hypothesis – should state precisely the question you are attempting to investigate. Include your hypothesis or the expected outcome of your test.
Review of Literature – is to report to the reader background information and/or work done in the past that pertains to your project. These references should be properly documented and listed in the section “Reference List”.
Materials and Methods of Procedure – should be a simple chronological account of what was done. The explanation of what was done must be clear and detailed enough so that the reader can duplicate the work. The apparatus and materials used should be listed – explain the workings of any apparatus you constructed or used. Drawings, diagrams that are clearly labeled, and photographs are appropriate if they enhance and clarify your explanation – do not use them as filler.
Results – They should be organized in tables and/or charts with graphic presentations, when applicable. Choosing the appropriate graph is important. The graphs should be presented so that they are easily read by someone not familiar with the work. If quantitative data are not involved, a day-by-day log may be used in place of the tables and charts. In either case, care should be taken to insure accuracy and clarity. A discussion section should follow the data section to include your evaluation and interpretation of the data and/or results of your investigation.
Conclusion –It should be a concise evaluation and interpretation of the data and/or results. The conclusion should be limited to the results of the investigation and should refer to the stated purpose and hypothesis. Experimental error should be estimated and considered when drawing the conclusion.
Reference List – It is a list of published articles, books, and other communications actually cited in the paper. Sources should be current.
