February 3, 2006
|
|
Uwchlan Hills Science Fair 2006
February 3, 2006 |
So you need to write an abstract - DON'T PANIC. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process. Or, download the pdf.
What is an abstract?
An essential part of scientific writing, an abstract is a short written summary of your project. It includes your hypothesis, your methods and materials, your results, and the conclusions they led to. The abstract allows the viewer to quickly understand the scope and results of your project.
Step 1: Title
This section includes the title, the author, and the project number.
Title
The title section identifies your project. Your project title should let viewers know what to expect from your presentation. Some examples are as follows: "How Magnetism Creates Electricity," or "Why Volcanoes Erupt," or "The Perfect Balogna Sandwich."
Author
You, the scientist, are the author.
Project number
The project number is assigned by the Science Fair Committee after you submit your research plan.
Step 2: Introduction
Write a short paragraph that describes what your objectives were in doing this project. What did you hope to show? What did you expect would happen? Why did you choose this project?
Step 3: Materials and Methods
Write a short paragraph describing what you used and how you used it during this project. Professional scientists have to supply enough detail in materials and methods so that other scientists can do the same experiment in their own labs - to see if they get the same results. Scientific results are repeatable. Be specific, but be brief.
Step 4: Results
Write two or three sentences that summarize what happened - just the basic facts. Detailed results can be part of your presentation. Example: "Vinegar created the most bubbles."
Step 5: Conclusion
A final paragraph explaining what you learned through doing this project. What do the results mean? Did everything work the way you expected? What would you have done differently?
Step 6: Turn it in
Type your abstract in an easy-to-read font like Times or Arial. Use 10- or 12-point type. You can e-mail your abstract to the Science Fair Coordinator, Linda Abercrombie, or drop it off at the office addressed to "Science Fair." Due date: January 23, 2006.
|
|
|
|
