Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,

I have been narrowing down my search for a mentor and starting to read some of the research papers written by potential mentors. The problem is that I can't find access to the full text--only the abstract. To access the full text, you have to be a member of a research institution/university or pay $40. Since I would rather not pay $40 to read a single research paper, do you have any suggestions?

Thank you!

Hello. Have you asked your school librarian? Perhaps the library at your local university? Sometimes, schools will pay for subscriptions in order for you to access academic articles for free. If your school library doesn't have access and you go to a university (perhaps give them a call and ask before you spend your time going), tell them you are doing research for a science fair...they may be able to give you special access.

Good luck!

I definitely second the advice of asking a librarian from your school or going to a university library. You might also see if some of the teachers at your school are currently taking graduate classes. They might have access to journals through their university and be able to help you get an article or two. Otherwise, I have sometimes had luck directly asking the author of the article for a copy if I am really having trouble finding it.

I also found this page. I don't know if using any of the free online search engines will help you. If not, the page says academic institutions may have access.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... pers.shtml