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 3rd 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 29th ---- 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 3rd --- Continue revisions during Language Arts in the computer lab
(bring your flash drive). Final copy will be typed.
•
Friday, December 7th ---- 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 3rd 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 29th ---- 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 3rd --- Continue revisions during Language Arts in the computer lab
(bring your flash drive). Final copy will be typed.
•
Friday, December 7th ---- Final Abstract due. Remember to print 3 copies!
What do you mean written in 3rd 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:
he
she
him
her
his
hers
himself
herself
they
them
their
theirs
it
its
itself
themselves
Sample Research Plan
Jane Doe
Mrs. Smith
5th 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, 2006.
2. Wright, Van. “Styrofoam.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 1999 ed.
3. (Author not listed). “What is a better insulator: Paper, glass, plastic, or Styrofoam? Livestrong.com. Copyright 2012
Demand Media. 15 Oct 2012 http://www.livestrong.com/article/345286-what-is-a-better-insulator-paper-glass-plastic-or-styrofoam/
4. VanCleave, Janice. “Insulators.” Education.com. Copyright 2006 – 2012. 15 Oct 2012.
http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/physics_trapped/
5. (Author not listed). “Styrofoam as an insulator.” Grade 6 science. 10 Sept 2003. 15 Oct 2012.
http://mmem.spschools.org/2F.9798/HotandCold/styro.html