Research Plan: Project Title Authors (s) November 7, 2022 2 Short Title and Authors Rationale Imagine that a man named Jimbo Jefferson found out a flood was coming to his area and he had a month to prepare. He brainstormed what to do to and eventually, stumbled across the fact that plant’s roots get dirt clumps stuck to them when they grow. To avoid soil erosion, he planted many plants in his yard and backyard. This experiment shows Jimbo Jefferson’s front yard and shows how it would be effected with and without plants. Your background research should be a minimum of 1 paragraphs with the first being an introduction. Start with a very broad topic and then get progressively more specific with your research. A paragraph consists of a minimum of 4 sentences. Be sure to use reliable sources for you information! You should not be using Wikipedia or really any .com websites. Try to stick with scientific journals, textbooks (for definitions), .edu websites, and encyclopedias. Two of your sources must be print but if you are using any resource found on the library webpage then it is considered reliable and a print source. The password for Gale is infopower if you are trying to access it at home. Be sure to use correct grammar and not to plagiarize. Use MLA internal citations when you are paraphrasing someone else’s work. If you do not use citations you will get a zero for cheating. Do not use first person (I, we, me us, etc.). Research Question, Hypothesis, Engineering Goals, and Expected Outcomes Research Question Clearly state your research question. State the independent variable, the dependent variable, and the control in this section. Do not use first person (I, we, me us, etc.). 3 Short Title and Authors Hypothesis Clearly state your hypothesis in the If… Then… statement. Spend a few sentences explaining why you picked this problem and hypothesis based on your research. Do not use first person (I, we, me us, etc.). Engineering Goals You only need this section if you are creating something and fit into the engineering category. If you are not one of those things please delete. Do not use first person (I, we, me us, etc.). Expected Outcomes What do you expect to happen and why? Do you expect any limitations? Do not use first person (I, we, me us, etc.). 4 Short Title and Authors Materials and Methods Materials List all the materials that you are using here. You do not have to use complete sentences. Procedure 1. Put your detailed procedure in this section. 2. It should be in numbered list form NOT PARAGRAPH. 3. If you are performing your experiment in a specific location or time please state that. 4. Include your control 5. Include the number of trials you are performing 6. DO NOT USE FIRST PERSON (I, we, me us, etc.). 7. A good procedure can be given to someone with no background in your topic and they are able to perform it and get the same results. Risk and Safety Describe any risks involved with your project even if they are small risks. Detail out any safety procedures you are using throughout your experiment. Are you using gloves? Are you wearing goggles? If you are using any chemicals you need to print out a copy of the MSDS for that chemical and attach it as an appendix. Do not use first person (I, we, me us, etc.). Data Analysis Describe what you will do with your data. How will your record your data? What are the units of your data, if they are unusual units you might want to explain what those units mean, be sure to cite your source if you do this. What calculations will your be doing? Spell out the equations for these calculations. What kind of graphs will you be using and why? This should be a paragraph minimum. Do not use first person (I, we, me us, etc.). 5 Short Title and Authors Bibliography Source # 1 Source #2 You may use more than 2 sources, 2 is the minimum. If a source is listed here then it must also be cited in the paper somewhere. Do not copy information. Your paper will be run through Safe Assign on Blackboard and I should not see more than 30% of your paper coming from other sources and no more than 10% from any one source. We will peer review in class based on the rubric.
