Biology

Name ____________________

Science Fair

Date _____________________

Science Fair Report Writing Outline

Scientific
Method

Lab Report
Part

How is it written
*Cross out/check each item as you copy and paste the parts of your report
from your template to your report document

Points
Earned

Value

Phase 1
Preliminary
work
observation
s, research

See handouts (also on drive)

Past ideas
Science fair topics and proposal

Topic
Selection
and
Proposal
Title

what the experiment is about

should be
underlined
/
bolded
and
centered
rewrite the title after the experiment is done.
5

Observation

Introduction

Paragraph 1:
1. TS: introduce the experiment.
2. Include the observation that inspired your experiment.
3. Add relevant background information from your research.
4. Answer any of the questions that would be asked by someone
reading your report or seeing your display.
Paragraph 2:
1. TS: States the purpose for the experiment.
2. State what will be tested.
3. State the hypothesis: (choose 1 format)
a.
It is hypothesized thatbecause

b.
The hypothesis isbecause

c.
If(testable statement).., then .(prediction)
.

Question
Hypothesis

20
Experiment

Materials

A bulleted list
Include sizes/brand/measurements of all items used.

1.
2.
3.

Numbered list
The list of steps is specific and clear.
Each step is written using complete sentences.

10
Procedure

10

Phase 2

Experiment

Experiment

Conduct the
experiment

How is it written
*Cross out/check each item as you copy and paste the parts of your report
from your template to your report document
Design and carry out your controlled experiment
record all data and observations in your lab notebook

Points
Earned

Value

Table 1: Describe what can be seen in the data table.

Results

Tables and graphs have labels

Graphs - All axes have labels
include a few sentences that describe what was seen in the
experiment, what the data table shows, or what the pictures
recorded show.
This section should not explain the significance of your results.

40
Phase 3

Evaluation

Discussion

How is it written
*Cross out/check each item as you copy and paste the parts of your report
from your template to your report document
Paragraph 1:
1. TS: What was the experiment was designed to find out?
2. Report the results.
3. CS: transition into the significance of each of the results found in
paragraph 2.

Points
Earned

Value

Paragraph 2:
1. TS: Report background information that can be used to explain the
results.
2. Significance, meaning, and explanation for the results.
3. CS: summarize the overall conclusion for the experiment.
Paragraph 3:
1. TS:
In spite of the fact that the experiment was performed
carefully, there were a few factors that could have affected the
data.

2. State 1 source of error (something that could have altered the

data) and explain how it could have affected the data.
3. State 2nd source of error (something that could have altered the
data) and explain how it could have affected the data.
4. CS: Describe how the experiment could be changed to improve the
experiment and to eliminate the sources of error.
Conclusion

40

The purpose of this experiment was to

It was hypothesized that
It was concluded that
The results of this experiment (did/did not) support the hypothesis;
however, further testing is required to increase the confidence in
the accuracy of these conclusions.

15

Give credit

Work Cited

Cite your sources

In text citations: (Hardiman 2008)

In the reference section: see handout and examples below

Chang,MD,LouiseChang,MD,ed."Math+ChewingGum=BetterGrades?"
WebMD
HealthNews
.BillHendrick,23Apr.2009.Web.24Feb.2015.
<
http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20090423/mathpluschewinggumequalsbett
ergrades
>.

"DoesChewingGumAidConcentration?"
NHSChoices
.N.p.,2Feb.2013.Web.24Feb.
2015.
<http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/02February/Pages/Chewinggumaidconcentration.aspx>.

TheEffectofPeppermintonMemoryPerformance
.RobertSchroeder,Mar.2012.Web.24
Feb.2015.
<http://jass.neuro.wisc.edu/2012/01/Lab%20603%20Group%205%20The%20Effect%2
0of%20Peppermint%20on%20Memory%20Performance.pdf>.

MathDrills.com
.N.p.,2005.Web.24Feb.2015.
<
http://www.mathdrills.com/algebra.shtml
>.

ScienceDaily
.BritishPsychologicalSociety,n.d.Web.12Jan.2015.
<http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130308093933.htm>.

15

Phase 4

Abstract

Summarizes your entire report

Background:
Explanation of experiment (2-4 sentences)
Summary of results (1-2 sentences)
Conclusion (1 sentence)

Double
checking
your work

Editing

15

Use your editing checklist

Submit rough drafts of each section to instructor at least 2 times
each.
Respond to all feedback from your instructor
Have other people (family members, friends, other teachers) read
your report and give feedback.

20
Share your
experiment

Poster

Present
experiment

Bring your poster, your lab notebook, and your lab report.
Stand by your poster and talk to people about your project.

The poster is a visual display of your experiment

Print the parts of your lab report
Gather pictures
Assemble board

100