HOW TO WRITE UP A SCIENCE RESEARCH REPORT



HOW TO WRITE UP AND DISPLAY

A SCIENCE INVESTIGATION REPORT

A science investigation report is different to reports done in other subjects.

Science Reports are based on investigation and research. They present information objectively, formally and clearly. They are written in the past tense because you are reporting work that has already been done. e.g. “The solution was heated to 100o C”

Reports bring together the aims, methods, results and conclusions in the following format:

1 TITLE or COVER PAGE

2 SUMMARY

3 INTRODUCTION

4 METHODS AND MATERIALS

5 RESULTS

6 DISCUSSION

7 CONCLUSION

8 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

9 REFERENCES

10 APPENDIX

TITLE

This is the cover page of your report. Make sure you include the title of the report, your name, school, year and date.

e.g. AN INVESTIGATION INTO HOMEMADE FERTILISERS,

Fred Manures, Rossmoyne Senior High School, Year 10, August 2003.

SUMMARY

You write the summary after you have written the rest of the report. It is a brief explanation of what the research was about, and the conclusions reached.

INTRODUCTION

Explain briefly the aims and objectives of your investigation and any hypothesis you made. Give some background scientific information that you have discovered about the subject from reading books or surfing the net. Maybe you could say why you decided to choose this topic for your investigation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Give information about how to set up the experiment, what equipment and materials you used and what methods of observation were tried. A diagram and list of equipment should be included.

The method or procedure should be written down (like a recipe) that can be easily repeated.

Use exact quantities and units of measurement. Use the standard names of chemicals and organisms (plants and animals)

Describe the dependent variable (the one that is measured in the investigation.

e.g. height of the plant)

Describe the independent variable (the one that is changed in the investigation.

e.g. amount of fertiliser added)

Describe the controlled variables (the ones you kept the same at all times.

e.g. amount of soil, type of soil, amount of water added etc.)

Explain any safety precautions.

RESULTS

Present a summary of the results, including measurements and observations.

Use tables, graphs and diagrams where necessary.

DISCUSSION

Point out the meaning of the results. Relate them back to your hypothesis.

Point out any trends or patterns in your results.

Comment on the strengths and weaknesses of your investigation.

Suggest any future improvements and ideas for follow-up research.

CONCLUSION

Explain whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected.

Explain why the results happened as they did.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Mention the assistance other people or organisations have made to your investigation and report briefly, thanking them.

REFERENCES

Alphabetically list your sources as follows:

Author(s)’ Surname and Initials. Title. Publisher. Date of Publication

e.g. Bolton, W., Physics Investigations, McGraw-Hill, 1996

or Bolton, W., “Physics Investigations”, McGraw-Hill, 1996

APPENDIX

Include any extra information which may give more detail or help others attempting to repeat the research investigation.

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