Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello!

I am looking for some help in devising an eye catching title for my project! It is regarding the possible causes of the Ordovician-Silurian extinction event, and I find that if not presented with an intriguing title, will not catch the eye of most.
This is the summary I will be submitting, so if it may help:

The Ordovician-Silurian extinction event was the second largest of extinctions to have affected life in the phanerazoic eon. In studying Late-Ordovician fauna's, as well as it's geological formations, it becomes apparent that a large volcanic episode rocked the Late-Ordovician's Iapetus Ocean, a volcanic episode possible from three large active volcanoes/volcanic events that may have been present at the time. As research continues, more evidence is provided towards the appearance of K-Bentonites as wells as the soon following environmental anoxia.

Thank you very much for the help! It is greatly appreciated!

Hi astropaleo,

Deciding on a title for a science project can be a difficult task. Unfortunately, I don't know as much as you on the topic of Ordovician-Silurian extinction. However, maybe these questions can help develop a potential title for your project:

-What are some of the most astounding facts you have discovered in your research?
-What types of facts about the topic strike you as unusual?
-What pieces of information do you feel are essential to your title?

Considering these questions, you may hopefully determine what you want your title to be. But be mindful that although catchy titles can strengthen your project, it is the work done behind the title that is most important. Hopefully you will be able to create a wonderfully eye-catching title, but if not, a very precise and thoughtful title would also be acceptable.

Best of Luck!
grai

Hi astropaleo,

grai already gave you excellent advice to consider. Just to add on, I always used this trick when I thought of science fair project titles. I would start off with a short, catchy phrase, follow it with a colon, and then give the serious, "long" title.
For example, I don't know enough about your topic, but just to demonstrate:

A Look into the Past: Potential Causes for the Ordovician-Silurian Extinction.

This way a title is eye-catching and interesting and also not too frivolous.

Hope this helps!

Hello there,

To add on to the great advice that the previous experts have already given you, great titles tend to not only be "attention-grabbing", but they should also describe your project well enough so that people who are reading your report or looking at your presentation can quickly figure out what your project is about. While a descriptive title is nice, adding in too many details and/or making your title too long may lose your audience. For example, I think the title that scibuddyAK suggested to you is great. It's eye-catching, quick and to the point, and provides enough information to give your audience a general sense of what your project is about. It also intrigues them enough so that they will be prompted to ask you questions and learn more about what you did. I did a quick google search and found a page with some advice on making titles... hopefully this also helps!

http://voices.yahoo.com/how-write-winni ... 96163.html

Best,
Connie

Thank you very much for your help! Also, thank you very much for your link, as well as the example to give me some good direction!