Write a Research Paper

2 - Background Research

Background research is necessary so that you know how to design and understand the results of your experiment.

Task #2C: Write a Research Paper

1. Read Writing a Research Paper for Your Science Fair Project to learn about the purpose of a research paper and how to write one. Review How to Write a Bibliography in APA and MLA styles With Examples to learn how to properly cite resources in your paper using in-text citations.
2. Answer the following questions to check your learning:
   1. What is NOT a key piece of information a research paper should include?
      The history of similar experiments or inventions

      Definitions of important words and concepts related to the experiment

      Mathematical formulas needed to describe the results

      Personal opinions about the experiment's outcome
      Correct! A research paper should be based on factual information, not personal opinions.
      Review the Writing a Research Paper for Your Science Fair Project resource to determine what key information you should include in your research paper.
   2. What is the primary purpose of your research paper in a science fair project?
      To provide a detailed list of all materials used

      To summarize the background research and explain why the experiment turns out the way it does

      To present a biography of the scientists you researched

      To create a fictional story related to your experiment
      Correct! The primary purpose of your research paper is to summarize the background research and explain the reasons behind your experiment's results.
      Review the Writing a Research Paper for Your Science Fair Project resource to explain the purpose of a research paper.
3. Write Your Research Paper: Write your research paper in a separate document. Make sure it meets all the requirements in the checklist.
   1. Research Paper Checklist:
      All important terms are defined.
      All research questions are clearly answered.
      Background research enables you to predict what will occur in your experiment, and it gives you enough knowledge to understand your observations.
      Your research includes the following:
      Currently accepted theories, facts, and data
      Relevant mathematics/equations (if applicable)
      Key discoveries and early researchers
      All information and images that were copied or rephrased from another source are referenced in the bibliography.
      Your research paper includes:
      A title page
      Your report
      Bibliography
      Your research paper uses proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
   2. Link to research paper (or print it):