Physics 4B Research Paper Assignment
Scott Hildreth
Chabot College - Spring 2016
Overview
Research, write, and present a short paper (5+ pages plus a bibliography) about some aspect or application
of the physics we have studied this term (Electricity & Magnetism) to our current world.
The paper and presentation together will constitute the equivalent to 5% of your class grade (1/5 of
Lab/Group Work grade).
Key Dates:
Identify & Submit Potential Topic Area:
Thursday/Friday April 14/15
Develop a set of Thesis Questions to answer
and Create a bibliography:
Thursday/Friday April 28/29
Turn in a draft of your paper, and be prepared
to present your paper to the class:
Thursday/Friday May 12/13
Revise your paper and turn in a final draft:
Friday 5/27 after final exam
Details About the Paper:

The paper must be largely original, written by you – not pulled from the web or borrowed from
existing webpages or magazine articles. You are expected to include all of your resources in a
bibliography, even those you don’t quote within the paper, but use to help you understand the
background. You are expected to CITE resources within a paper and use quotation marks when
copying something verbatim.

Please use the APA style of citation (check out: our Chabot College library for examples or
http://www.liunet.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citapa.htm). Be sure to learn the difference
between proper academic citation and plagiarism. The former is rewarded, the latter is punished.

You must include a properly formatted bibliography. Check out the Chabot College Library’s
Citation Guide: http://www.chabotcollege.edu/Library/onlineref/cited.html

You need to use at least 5 current resources for your research, not including our textbook. At least
2 resources should be current journals, magazines, and books (from 2008 until the present).
Internet resources are acceptable for the journals.

Your paper should include basic equations if possible, that are involved in the phenomena or
application you have researched. Explain any variables in those equations.

A sample research paper will be provided in lab to help you see accepted citation formats and style
conventions.
Details About the Presentation:

Your presentation should be planned for 5 minutes (minimum) to 10 minutes (maximum). You
can use the web to assist, or Powerpoint, or transparencies, or just the chalkboard.

You will be grouped together *by theme* with others in the class presenting similar concepts. You
will be expected to work together to choreograph the order of the presentations in your group, and
hand off from one to another smoothly.

Make a one-page summary for your presentation, including key points and your bibliography, to
hand out to others in the audience before you begin. Send a copy to me one day prior to the lab.
Topic Ideas: The range is virtually limitless! I suggest considering your future major area and looking
for applications of Electromagnetism in physics, including radiation, electronics, miniaturization,
robotics, space station physics, medicine, environmental issues, recycling, aeronautics, automobiles, and
energy. There are numerous resources to help you plan and write a short research paper; check out our
college library, or http://www.chabotcollege.edu/library/howdoi.asp for further information.
Grading:
10% - timeliness (making the deadlines shown on the calendar)
20% - quality of research
35% - quality of writing, including citations and bibliography formatting
15% - preparation for presentation (handout, graphics, Powerpoint website, etc.)
20% - presentation professionalism, timing, connection with the audience, effectiveness
Steps to Write a Short Research Paper.
1.
Establish your topic. Look for something you are interested in learning more about.
2.
Look for sources of information. Consult magazines, online websites (be sure they are
credible and scholarly!)
3.
Read your sources and take notes. Create a “paper trail” of all of the resources you consult to
develop your paper and ideas.
4.
Organize your ideas. Use 3x5 cards, or software tools to help you brainstorm.
5.
Write a first draft. Run this by me early if you want feedback.
6.
Use in-line citations within your writing that reference the last name of the source, and the
date (Hildreth, 2016) and include those with a fully-formatted citation in your bibliography to
document all the sources you referenced (even those you don’t use or quote in the paper).
7.
Write a bibliography. Put in order by Author; include all required information. Use APA
formatting styles, please. Author(s). (Date) Title. Publisher. URL
8.
Revise and proofread the first and especially the final draft.