Science Fair Abstract Guidelines

What Is an Abstract? A brief, written explanation of the research project, consisting of a succinct (to the point) description of the project’s purpose, the procedures followed, the data collected, and the conclusions reached. An abstract is written after you complete your experiment.

Important Details Use block paragraph form (DO NOT use headings) Write in 3 rd person, past tense (NO I, we, me, etc.) NO LONGER than 250 words (one page, single-spaced body, double-space between block paragraphs). Check for spelling, grammar, and neatness Remember to print 3 copies of abstract: 1 copy for display board, 1 copy for Science teacher, and 1 copy for Language Arts teacher. Thursday, November 29 th ---- Rough Draft Due to Mrs. deLange. This copy MUST be handwritten. BRING your rough draft to class. We will revise and edit your draft during class. (bring your flash drive) Monday, December 3 rd --- Continue revisions during Language Arts in the computer lab (bring your flash drive). Final copy will be typed. Friday, December 7 th ---- Final Abstract due. Remember to print 3 copies!

Abstract Include the following information in this order: Purpose An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic of the project, includes the problem, what was tested, and how/why the topic was chosen—your personal reason for exploring topic. Hypothesis This includes expectations and research facts that support them. Procedure A summary of the experiment, what was being measured, and the number of times tested. Results A report data trend with actual metric measurements, including a summary of results such as average measurements from all trials. Conclusion This includes interpretation of results related to the purpose, relates results to hypothesis.

Sample Title Page Title page (center the following information on the page): Project Title, Student’s Name, Class/Subject, Teacher’s Name, Class period, and Date) Project Title Your Name Class/Subject Teacher’s Name Class Period Date

Sample Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to determine which type of cup keeps liquids hot the longest. The cups tested were styrofoam, plastic, and paper. This project was chosen to determine which cup is the best to use for coffee and hot chocolate. Research showed that styrofoam is a good insulator because the plastic foam contains millions of trapped gas bubbles and gases hinder the heat conduction. Research also showed that plastic is a medium to poor conductor of heat. Additionally, paper cups do not keep liquids hot very long but slows the cooling process. Based on research, this experiment should show that the Styrofoam cup will keep liquids hot the longest. First, using a graduated cylinder, 100 mL of hot water was poured into a Styrofoam cup. This process was repeated using a plastic cup and paper cup. A thermometer was placed in each cup and the beginning temperature was recorded. The temperature was recorded for each cup every 3 minutes for 15 minutes. This entire procedure was repeated 9 more times. Results showed the temperature of the Styrofoam cups remained on average 3 degrees higher than the paper cup. Results also showed the temperature for the paper cup remained on average 1 to 2 degrees higher than the plastic cup. These results confirmed the information from research. The hypothesis was proven to be correct. Styrofoam cups do keep liquids hot the longest.

REMEMBER ---- Important Details Use block paragraph form (DO NOT use headings) Write in 3 rd person, past tense (NO I, we, me, etc.) NO LONGER than 250 words (one page, single-spaced body, double-space between block paragraphs). Check for spelling, grammar, and neatness Remember to print 3 copies of abstract: 1 copy for display board, 1 copy for Science teacher, and 1 copy for Language Arts teacher. Thursday, November 29 th ---- Rough Draft Due to Mrs. deLange. This copy MUST be handwritten. BRING your rough draft to class. We will revise and edit your draft during class. (bring your flash drive) Monday, December 3 rd --- Continue revisions during Language Arts in the computer lab (bring your flash drive). Final copy will be typed. Friday, December 7 th ---- Final Abstract due. Remember to print 3 copies!

What do you mean written in 3 rd person? Third Person Do NOT use the pronouns I, me, mine, my, we, or you. Nouns and noun phrases are always third person. Third person pronouns: heshetheyit himherthemits hishers theiritself himselfherselftheirsthemselves

Sample Research Plan Jane Doe Mrs. Smith 5 th period Research Plan A. Purpose/Question being addressed: The purpose of this experiment is to determine which type of cup keeps liquids hot the longest. The cups that will be tested are styrofoam, plastic, and paper. B. Research Facts/Hypothesis: Research showed that styrofoam is a good insulator because the plastic foam contains millions of trapped gas bubbles and gases hinder the heat conduction. Research also showed that plastic is a medium to poor conductor of heat. Additionally, paper cups do not keep liquids hot very long but slows the cooling process. Based on my research, this experiment should show that the Styrofoam cup will keep liquids hot the longest. C. Description in detail of method or procedure: First, using a graduated cylinder, I will measure 100 mL of hot water and pour it into a Styrofoam cup. I will repeat this process using a plastic cup and paper cup. I will place a thermometer in each cup and record the beginning temperature. I will record the temperature for each cup every 3 minutes for 15 minutes. I will repeat this entire procedure at least 9 more times. D. Data Analysis: I will record all results in my log book. I will record the temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit. E. Bibliography/References: 1.Murphy, Thomas. “Insulators.” New York: Mandel Publications, Wright, Van. “Styrofoam.” Encyclopedia Britannica ed. 3.(Author not listed). “What is a better insulator: Paper, glass, plastic, or Styrofoam? Livestrong.com. Copyright 2012 Demand Media. 15 Oct VanCleave, Janice. “Insulators.” Education.com. Copyright 2006 – Oct (Author not listed). “Styrofoam as an insulator.” Grade 6 science. 10 Sept Oct