Research
When beginning a new experimental project, the first step that a real scientist takes is toward a library. The scientist will want to learn general information about his topic of study and will want to know if other scientists have done related experiments. The scientist will want to put this information called background research in his written report.
You need to begin your science project with library research. Encyclopedias and the internet are usually a good starting point because they provide general information. Try to find current information about your experimental topic.
When you find a book on your topic, don't feel you have to read the whole thing. Look at the table of contents and the index for information related to your subject. Check the book's bibliography for other sources you may wish to review.
When collecting information from books, magazines or the internet, record your information in your log book (Research Worksheets- Sources #1-5 Due ______________________). Each source should be listed on a separate page. For a book or magazine you'll need to list the title of the article, the name of the magazine or book, the author, the issue, the date, and the publisher. To site an internet source, look at the MLA 7 Reference Sheet.
The final step is to organize your notes and write your background research for your written report. Keep in mind the background research for your report should give general information about your project topic or related topics. You are not discussing your experiment in this section, just your topic. For instance, if you are studying the effects of Monochromatic light on plant growth, your background research might discuss types of plants, plant growth, monochromatic light, soil nutrients, etc.
The background research in the written report should be 1-2 pages long and should have at least “5” references that you used for information.
You need to begin your science project with library research. Encyclopedias and the internet are usually a good starting point because they provide general information. Try to find current information about your experimental topic.
When you find a book on your topic, don't feel you have to read the whole thing. Look at the table of contents and the index for information related to your subject. Check the book's bibliography for other sources you may wish to review.
When collecting information from books, magazines or the internet, record your information in your log book (Research Worksheets- Sources #1-5 Due ______________________). Each source should be listed on a separate page. For a book or magazine you'll need to list the title of the article, the name of the magazine or book, the author, the issue, the date, and the publisher. To site an internet source, look at the MLA 7 Reference Sheet.
The final step is to organize your notes and write your background research for your written report. Keep in mind the background research for your report should give general information about your project topic or related topics. You are not discussing your experiment in this section, just your topic. For instance, if you are studying the effects of Monochromatic light on plant growth, your background research might discuss types of plants, plant growth, monochromatic light, soil nutrients, etc.
The background research in the written report should be 1-2 pages long and should have at least “5” references that you used for information.