ABSTRACT
What is an abstract?
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An abstract is a brief, written discussion of your project.
One paragraph summary of your entire project that is both clear and simple.
Gives the essence of your project in a brief, yet complete form.
No more than 250 words.
This paragraph is your advertisement and “sells” your paper to the readers. This is what
every judge will read about your project.
What do you include when writing science fair project abstracts?
1. Purpose of the Experiment
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An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic of the project/real
world app.
What is being tested?
2. Procedures Used
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A summarization of the key points and an overview of how the investigation was
conducted.
An abstract does not give details about the materials used unless it greatly influenced the
procedure or had to be developed to do the investigation.
How did you carry out the experiment and what did you measure?
The general method. Do not go into detail here. Just state general techniques such as
"titration" rather than specifics such as "100.0 mL of 1.00 M NaOH were titrated with…"
3. Hypothesis
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State your hypothesis.
4. Results/Conclusions
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What was the outcome of the experiment?
Was the hypothesis proven correct? Why or why not?
How could this project be used in the real world today (real world app)? Why are your
results important?
TIPS
 The abstract is the first thing a judge reads about your work. IT should be
easy to read.
 Include information from every element listed above. This will be
graded!!!!!
 Past tense
 Should not be written in first person
 Times New Roman, 12 pt font, double space.
DUE MONDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2015
Introduction to Science Research
2014-2015
ABSTRACT
Name______________________________________________________
SECTION
TOTAL POINTS
POINTS EARNED
Purpose
 Was the purpose clear?
 Did it stir interest?
 Did it include independent and dependent
15
Methods
10
variables?
 Are the basics of the experimental design
clearly summarized?
 Does the abstract clearly state what is being
measured and how?
Hypothesis
 Is the hypothesis clearly stated in the
5
abstract with an explanation?
Results/Conclusion
15
 Does the abstract briefly summarize the
results of the study?
 Did the abstract clearly state if the
hypothesis was correct or incorrect?
 Did the abstract clearly state the
important/real world application of this
experiment?
Avoided use of first person pronouns
Times New Roman font, 12 pt, double spaced
Spelling/grammar
TOTAL
GRADE __________
5
5
5
60
SAMPLE #1
Abstract
Over the past few decades, air pollution has increased immensely in efforts to satisfy
society’s production needs in the growing technological era. This has led to an increase in the
number of medical cases involving respiratory issues, allergies, and certain types of cancer such
as leukemia. Biofiltration, a process in which microorganisms reduce air pollution through
cellular respiration, has long been a method in question to aid in the reduction of this pollution.
However, cost and efficiency matters have hindered the use of biofilters, the system through
which biofiltration occurs, in numerous locations. This experiment tested the effect of
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa biofiltration on the reduction of two hydrocarbon air pollutants,
benzene and toluene. It was hypothesized that Group B, the experimental group, would have a
lower concentration of both substances than Group A, the control group as a result of the
biofiltration system. This experiment was carried out by assembling a two chamber system
which involved the use of vinyl tubing, large clear plastic containers, and window sealant tape.
In Group A, bacteria and growth media were not added, while in Group B, a P. Aeruginosa
bacteria culture was added along with potting soil. In both groups an equal amount of paint
thinner was added. The chemical makeup of the paint thinner allowed it to serve as both a
benzene and toluene source. After waiting 24 hours for bacteria growth and the wafting of air
pollutants, the concentrations of benzene and toluene were measured in parts per million. Overall
a general decrease in the amount of benzene and toluene was seen in Group B, while in Group A,
the benzene and toluene amounts remained constant or decreased minimally. These conclusions
not only support the original hypothesis, but also support the possibility of efficient and costeffective biofiltration.
SAMPLE #2
Abstract
In the modern day it is often easier to reach for an artificial antiseptic product when an injury occurs.
However, natural antiseptics such as Melaleuca alternifolia oil can be as effective as the artificial ones such as
Polymyxin B sulfate. However, artificial antiseptics can have damaging side effects which natural ones may not.
The antiseptic properties of each were measured through the process of bacterial inhibition of Escherichia coli,
because an adequate antiseptic works through means of killing bacteria. This in turn, allows an injury to heal more
quickly. Therefore, the solution which more effectively inhibits Escherichia coli is more effective. Tests were done
with a 100% concentration of Melaleuca alternifolia oil, a 0.01g per 10mlo solution of Polymyxin B sulfate, and a
control of distilled water. The hypothesis of this experiment is that the Melaleuca alternifolia oil will create a larger
zone of inhibition since it will work better at killing bacteria than Polymyxin B sulfate. These tests revealed that the
hypothesis was incorrect. Polymyxin B was more effective in inhibiting the bacteria than the Melaleuca alternifolia
oil, with an average diameter of 0.98 centimeters of inhibition as opposed to a 0.84 centimeter diameter for the
Melaleuca alternifolia oil. The data indicates that the artificial antiseptic more effectively works at inhibiting growth
of Escherichia coli.
SAMPLE #3