Second Independent Research Paper Components


1. Materials

• List and describe all materials needed to do your experiment.
• List them in an easily readable format.
• Included in the list how many/much of each item you will need (number of pots, pounds of soil, volume of fertilizer, etc.)
• Identify where the item can be obtained if it is not a common household item.

2. Procedures

• List the steps you will take to do your experiment. This is a list, not a paragraph! Number each step (in order that you will do them).
• Write them in complete sentences.
• Include details and describe the steps completely.
• Your steps should follow a logical progression.
• Your steps should include the care/upkeep of your organism(s).
• FOR FINAL PAPER ONLY (DECEMBER) change steps to be in past tense.
• FOR FINAL PAPER ONLY (DECEMBER), include a photograph of the actual setup (how it looks on first day of experiment).
• Explain when observations will be made/recorded.
• Explain how observations will be made/recorded.
• Address safety issues as needed.

3. Data/Results/Observations

• Provide at least one data table (even without data available).
• Make sure each data table is labeled with a number (Table #1) and a title
• Label each row and column clearly.
• Set up the table logically.
• Label all units (use metric system).

• Provide at least one graph (even without data available).
• Make sure each graph is labeled with a number (Graph #3) and a title
• Label each axis.
• Set up the graph logically.
• Label all units (use metric system).

• Keep a journal or daily log to keep a record of your observations throughout the experiment.
• Include quantitative and qualitative observations (give examples in October paper, and actual observations in December paper).
• Make sure observations are descriptive and accurate.

4. Analysis and Conclusion FOR FINAL PAPER ONLY (DECEMBER, NOT OCTOBER)

• Try to explain the outcome (or trends) of your graph/data.
• Is your experiment actually set up to answer your initial question?
• If the experiment doesn't answer the question (after experiment is over), explain why it doesn't.
• Does your data support or reject your hypothesis. Explain
• Why do you think your data/graphs did/did not support your hypothesis (possible reasons).
• Identify some things that you did well in the experiment.
• Identify some things that didn't go so well in the experiment.
• List any possible sources of error.
• Show the value of your results—is there anything worthwhile in your findings?
• Describe any possible future experiments that could be done to expand on your findings.

5. General Criteria

• Perform spell check
• Have no major grammatical errors

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