Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am continuing a project I did in 6th grade. Where should I include the results from the first project. I tested whether octane levels affect gas mileage and am now testing whether ethanol now added to gas affects mileage. Obviously I need to include the previous results to compare with the new results-do I put this in the analysis section?

Hi ryanc,
I think it's great that you are taking an old science fair! For including your previous you need to initially inform the reader that you conducted a similar science fair in the past, and are expanding it. You should most likely do this in your introduction section. Then, you should include the previous results in your data section, but make sure it is clearly labeled that this data was from a previous experiment. This data should most likely go before your new data, so that it is in chronological order and so that it is not too confusing. Then you can refer back to this data in your analysis section, and the reader will clearly know where you are coming from and what you are refrencing because they were informed of it in the introduction, and saw the results in the data section. Good luck!
-jsnell