Scientific Journals What do we mean by ‘scientific’? Why are these journals important? Who uses these journals? How do you create scientific project journal? Partnership for Environmental Education and Rural Health (PEER) Texas A&M University October 13, 2008

Definition of Scientific Journals Scientific journals are academic and periodical publications. The aim of journals is to progress science research. ◦ Journals often report NEW and UNIQUE research results. Journals are typically specialized, meaning the focus is on one major research topic. Few journals publish materials covering a wide range of topics. ◦ Examples include Nature and Science. Publications in journals are called articles.

About the Articles… Why is a scientific article different than a news or entertainment journal? Why is a scientific article different than a news or entertainment journal? ◦ Scientific articles are commonly peer-reviewed. This means articles are critiqued by a small group of scientists in the same research field as the article. ◦ Peer-reviewing also attempts to validate the research methods and scientific process in the article’s research. ◦ Scientific journals are not read casually as with news or entertainment journals. ◦ Articles also include discussions of the scientific method used in the research. ◦ Scientific articles must supply enough information for any researcher to repeat the experiment or calculation to verify results. ◦ Scientific (and published) journal articles become part of the permanent scientific record.

Purpose of a Scientific Journal Journals document your work! ◦ It is important to be able to repeat, teach, display every process in a scientific experiment. Journals are a place to write down questions and ideas you have about science. ◦ Writing keeps you from forgetting! ◦ The journal also keeps you organized and accountable to other scientists and people interested in your work. Journals help you learn! Journals are a mechanism for aiding scientists. Journals are effective ONLY if you record everyday or when there is a action in the scientific process.

Building a Scientific Journal When constructing a project journal, consider the following items: a.Experiment design  Notes on the who, what, when, where, why, and how b.Materials and methods c.Introductory materials  Includes brainstorming ideas and research for project idea d.Outlines, illustrations, figures, etc. e.INCLUDE EVERY STEP ALONG THE WAY  The more information, the better!

Building a Scientific Journal 1. Choosing a notebook is important! ◦ Should be stitched (not glued) binding ◦ Pages should NOT rip easily ◦ Papers should NOT be loose ◦ Notebooks CAN have ‘carbon copy’ paper  This allows for a duplicated sheet to be created in case you are trying to share information with others or need to turn in assignments. ◦ Information can be written, glued-in, taped into, pasted, etc. ◦ Try to create a back-up copy of your notebook (either hardcopy or electronic version)

Building a Scientific Journal 1. Pre-number the pages and keep a Table of Contents ◦ This is a handy organizational skill! 2. Keep a separate notebook for each project. ◦ Include personal contact information in case book is misplaced ◦ Title the notebook with the project name 3. Never remove an original page ◦ Give out the carbon copy if absolutely necessary 4. Do not use pencils, felt-tips, fountains, or ballpoint pens. ◦ Pencils can be erased! ◦ Certain pens will bleed when wet. ◦ Data integrity is the most important factor!

Writing in a Scientific Journal 1. Document entire dates, numbers, labels. ◦ No abbreviations or short-hand! 2. Do NOT erase information. ◦ Mark through errors with a thin, straight line. ◦ An error is not always an error. You may need to refer back to it. ◦ Stay away from correctors, such as white-out or white pens. 3. Write legibly! ◦ Remember – A notebook is meant to be shared among peers. ◦ Certain pens will bleed when wet. ◦ Data integrity is the most important factor!

Why not pens??? The chart on the left details an experiment conducted by Dr. Collin Purrington, a biologist at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. He tested pen ink to many basic solvents used in laboratories to see which fared better for using to write in notebooks. The best are Sanford pens. The worst are Pilot pens and any Sharpies.

What needs to be in the journal… A. Detailed notes on all discussions and experimental goals B. Include detailed protocols to be followed by other researchers ◦ Name all experiments thoroughly for reference. ◦ All protocols (methods) should include hypotheses, goals, and the measurements to be taken. C. Add justifications of all experimental details ◦ It might be obvious to you, but not the others reading. D. Include units with all numbers, concentrations, calculations, etc. E. Add all information from supply vendors, equipment used, chemicals, etc. ◦ The more information, the better!

What needs to be in the journal… F. Record all environmental and/or laboratory conditions G. Record names and information for all participating scientists or help during the experiments H. Photographs can help to document the process! ◦ It might be obvious to you, but not the others reading. I. Include all computer file information J. Make daily entries! (even if you have no new information to report!) ◦ Record times of entries. ◦ Keep logs with Table of Contents, directories, or any list of information kept outside of the notebook. ** Journal should be kept in the laboratory where the experiments are conducted. **

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