Essential Elements of the Research Report
| Title Page | Table of Contents | Abstract | Purpose | Experimental Design | Acknowledgements | Review of Literature |
| Materials | Procedures
| Results | Conclusion | Bibliography
| Logbook | Display Board | Oral
Presentation |
The research report is a compendium of various elements of the experimentation
The research report must include:
4. Purpose
The purpose is a statement of what you plan to do. It is a statement of the
anticipated outcome of the experiment . Make a statement or statements regarding
the benefits of the experimentation and the contribution the research could
offer society.
5. Experimental Design Components
a. independent variable (include discussion and/or discussion of all levels)
b. the dependent variable
c. the control
d. the constants
e. the number of repeated trials
6. Acknowledgements
In this section you will identify people who have helped you or given you materials.
Be specific as to your appreciation.
7. Review of the literature
The review of the literature is research conducted on previous studies done
on your topic or question.A minimum of five (5) bibliographical sources
are required EXCLUDING reference sources i.e., encyclopedias, dictionaries,
almanacs or other REFERENCE books. Check with the librarian or media resource
persons to determine if a source is considered “reference”. The literature
review is to help you develop research skills and learn about other studies
that have been conducted on your topic. You must apply these findings to lend
support to your research. Proper form and style must be used. You may use APA
(American Psychological Association) or MLA (Modern Language Association) form
and style. Purchasing an APA or MLA publication manual is strongly suggested.
You will continue to use the manual repeatedly in high school and in college.
Note: if you use reference materials in your literature review they must be
cited and referenced. However, they will not count toward the 5 required non
referenced sources.
8. Materials
Describe the materials in detail. Make sure metric units are used when referring
to measurements. Include the type of filtering masks and safety devices used
with the experiment. You must give the source of hazardous or biohazardous materials.
MSDS sheets must be provided for every toxic or chemical substance. Make sure
you have informed the science teacher of every chemical, substance and material
that you intend to use in your experiment PRIOR TO BEGINNING EXPERIMENTATION.
9. Procedures
Provide a step-by-step recap of the exact procedure. Refer to your logbook to
write this section. REMEMBER the logbook should contain documentation of first
hand experiences associated with your actual experiment. Your procedures statement
for the formal research paper is taken DIRECTLY from the logbook. You may use
photographs, diagrams, and drawings to illustrate your procedures. YOU MUST
EXPLAIN THE DISPOSAL METHODS USED for HAZARDOUS MATERIALS and SUBSTANCES.
10. Results
The outcome of the experiment is extracted from the logbook. Graphics, including
charts, data tables, and graphs are used to display the experimental results.
11. Conclusion
Writing a conclusion requires the analysis and synthesis of data relationships.
Writing an effective conclusion includes restating the purpose of the experiment,
discussing the experiment’s major findings by explaining and illustrating
data relationships, determining if the research hypothesis was supported, drawing
comparisons from previous studies to the experiment, offering possible explanations
for the relationships and outcomes, and suggesting further areas of study in
additional to reflecting on ideas that would improve the experiment.
12. Bibliography
This page is a list of all reference and audio visual material used during the
experimentation process. References to interviews, on-line sources, meetings,
pamphlets, and all written materials should be included. APA or MLA form and
style should be used to format the Bibliography page. This bibliography page
is a full bibliographical list for the entire experiment. This list will contain
many of the same sources as the review of literature bibliography page. In fact
it may be exactly like the literature review bibliography page if you did not
use additional sources in the experiment. However, there is a bibliography page
for the review of literature in addition to a bibliography page for the entire
research report. REMEMBER: YOU MUST USE FIVE SOURCES EXCLUDING REFERENCE BOOKS
The logbook is a critical element in your experiment . Keep detailed records and observations in a special logbook. The logbook is used for the science fair project only. The logbook is a collection of raw data and is critical in establishing validity. State science fair criteria emphasizes the need of recorded evidence of credible data. Evidence of data collected in a systematic and organized manner is mandatory for county science fair projects. The raw data collection is evidenced in the logbook.The logbook is the preferred record for the collection of raw data. Enter raw data with handwritten entries. The final research report will contain graphic displays of the raw data. The logbook will be displayed with your display board and research report on the day of project presentation. NOTE: Raw data is handwritten into the logbook . All information about your experiment including materials, procedures, problems encountered, results, observations, etc. should be recorded in the logbook. The logbook information will be compiled and incorporated into a separate research paper. NOTE: THE LOGBOOK IS SEPARATE FROM YOUR RESEARCH PAPER. YOU WILL USE THE LOGBOOK TO WRITE THE RESEARCH PAPER. NOTE: THE FINAL SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT WILL CONSIST OF FOUR ITEMS: the logbook, the display board, the research report, and the oral presentation. The log book should evidence the following:
The display board must meet current science fair regulations. Consult your
science fair supervisor or sponsor for details on new regulations and rulings
for the display board.
THE DISPLAY BOARD MUST BE REGULATION SIZE AND COMPUTER GENERATED
THE DISPLAY MUST SHOW CREATIVITY AND GOOD DESIGN
THE DISPLAY SHOULD BE READABLE AND CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD BY THE VIEWERS AND JUDGES.
GRAPHICS SHOULD BE PRECISELY LABELED (VARIABLES SHOULD BE PROPERLY LABELED)
DATA TABLES SHOULD CONVEY INFORMATION WITH CLARITY AND READABILITY TO THE VIEWER
The display board must include the following elements:
1. Title (A catchy title is suggested)
2. The question or problem
3. A clearly stated hypothesis
4. Abstract
5. Separately distinguish:
6. List all materials
7. List methods of procedure
Clearly label visuals of procedures, results or data display (including diagrams,
graphs, charts, tables, and photographs. Use brief sentences summarizing the
data on the diagrams, graphs and illustrations.
8. Data analysis/Results-Provide a narrative for data interpretations-discuss
measures of central tendency and other relationships revealed through the data
9. Conclusion-The conclusion is a summary of major findings and the extent
to which the results of the experiment support the research hypothesis. Findings
must be written in paragraph or in a list form using incomplete sentences. A
brief discussion of findings is also appropriate as part of the conclusion.
Major recommendations for additional research and suggested improvements to
the subject experiment may be stated.
The student provides a strong defense for the research project.
The student uses articulate speech, projected voice and appropriate bodily expressions,
providing emphasis on key points.
The student exhibits confidence and assurance during the delivery of the presentation.
The student responds to all questions with clear and direct answers.
The student demonstrates understanding of science concepts.
The student understands the data relationships resulting from the experiment.
The student conveys clear understanding of experimental design scientific processes,
and scientific thinking.
The student uses appropriate language, humor and mannerisms during the presentation
delivery.
The student’s appearance is neat, clean and professional.
The student evidences ownership of the research project.
The student remains focused on the topic.