what is a background research paper for science fair

How to make a research paper for science fair?

How to Make a Research Paper for Science Fair: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Science Fair Research Paper?

A science fair research paper is a comprehensive and in-depth report that showcases the researcher’s findings and investigation on a specific topic. It is an fundamental component of a science fair project, where students demonstrate their understanding of a scientific concept or principle by conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a research paper for a science fair.

Step 1: Choose a Topic

Before starting your research, you need to select a topic for your science fair project. Make sure to choose a topic that:

• Interests you : You should choose a topic that you are passionate about, and you will enjoy exploring it.
• Is relevant : Choose a topic that is relevant to your daily life, the environment, or the world at large.
• Is supported by credible sources : Make sure the topic you choose has credible sources of information, such as reputable scientific journals, academic papers, and reliable websites.

Step 2: Conduct Research

Conducting research is an essential part of a science fair project. Read and analyze the literature to gain a deep understanding of the topic. Take notes and organize the information you gather into categories or subtopics . Some important research methods include:

• Library research : Visit your school or public library to access books, articles, and journals.
• Online research : Utilize reputable online sources, such as government websites, academic databases, and educational institutions.
• Scientific papers and journals : Read and analyze scientific papers, and consult with experts in the field.

Step 3: Formulate Questions

After conducting research, you need to formulate specific, clear, and testable questions. These questions will guide your investigation and help you to focus on the most important aspects of your topic. Ask open-ended questions that encourage exploration and discovery. Some examples of questions include:

• What causes…?
• How does…?
• Why is…?

Step 4: Design an Experiment

An experiment is a crucial part of a science fair project. Design an experiment that:

• Tests a hypothesis : Use the questions you formulated in Step 3 to design an experiment that tests a hypothesis or answers a research question.
• Is controlled : Ensure that your experiment is controlled, with variables manipulated or controlled to minimize bias.
• Collects data : Use a systematic and organized approach to collect data, such as measurements, observations, or surveys.

Step 5: Analyze Data

Collect and analyze the data collected during the experiment. This will help you to:

• Identify patterns : Look for patterns, trends, and correlations in your data.
• Draw conclusions : Use your findings to draw conclusions, and answer the questions you formulated in Step 3.
• Visualize data : Use charts, graphs, and tables to visualize your data and make it easier to understand.

Step 6: Write Your Research Paper

Now it’s time to write your research paper. Organize your report into the following sections:

• Title page : Include your name, title of the project, and a brief summary.
• Introduction : Introduce your topic, provide background information, and explain the significance of your research.
• Methods : Describe your experiment, including the design, materials, and procedures.
• Results : Present your findings, using tables, graphs, and charts to support your data.
• Discussion : Analyze your results, draw conclusions, and discuss the limitations of your study.
• Conclusion : Summarize your findings, and suggest future research directions.

Tips and Best Practices

• Use a research paper template : Many science fair organizations provide templates to help you structure your report.
• Use clear and concise language : Avoid using technical jargon and complex vocabulary that may be difficult to understand.
• Use visual aids : Incorporate charts, graphs, and tables to make your data more accessible and easier to understand.
• Get feedback : Show your work to your teacher, peers, and mentors to get feedback and improve your project.

Conducting a science fair research paper requires dedication, patience, and persistence. By following these steps and tips, you will be well on your way to creating a high-quality research paper that showcases your scientific inquiry and investigation. Remember to:

• Choose a relevant and interesting topic
• Conduct thorough research
• Formulate testable questions
• Design a controlled experiment
• Analyze data
• Write a well-structured report
• Get feedback

By following these guidelines, you will be able to create a research paper that is worthy of recognition at the science fair.

References:

• National Science Education Standards. (1996). National Science Education Standards . National Academy Press.
• Science Buddies. (n.d.). How to Choose a Science Fair Topic . Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/how-to-choose-a-science-fair-topic
• The Science Fair Handbook. (n.d.). How to Write a Science Fair Paper . Retrieved from https://www.thesciencefairhandbook.com/how-to-write-a-science-fair-paper/

Note: You can modify the references to fit your required citation style.

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What Is Background Research For Science Fair

The Scientific Method: Background Research for Science Fair Projects – Last week we talked about developing your science fair project’s hypothesis and this week we will be discussing how to conduct the background research for you.

After you have finished both parts of your research you will need to compose a short essay which summarizes what you have learned so far. This “essay” will be part of your Project Research Report. A simple way to do this is to write a short paragraph on each resource or topic that you researched. Remember to create a bibliography for your project.

Video advice: Science Fair 105 Background Research

Science Fair 105 Background Research

Video advice: Science Fair Explanation – Question & Background Research

Explanation of how to get started on your Science Fair project.

How do you write a background for a science fair project?

The research paper should include:

• The history of similar experiments or inventions.
• Definitions of all important words and concepts that describe your experiment.
• Answers to all your background research plan questions.
• Mathematical formulas, if any, that you will need to describe the results of your experiment.

How do you do background research for science?

The six steps of the scientific method include: 1) asking a question about something you observe, 2) doing background research to learn what is already known about the topic, 3) constructing a hypothesis, 4) experimenting to test the hypothesis, 5) analyzing the data from the experiment and drawing conclusions, and 6) ...

What is background information for a science project?

Definition. Background information identifies and describes the history and nature of a well-defined research problem with reference to the existing literature .

Why is background research important in science?

Background research is really important. Scientists read to find out what has already been done in experimenting with their topic . ... You need to find whatever evidence you can (backgound research) before you make an accusation (hypothesis) and then present it to the jury (your experiment).

What is an example of background information?

Background information is often provided after the hook, or opening statement that is used to grab the reader's attention. ... Examples of Background Information: In his inaugural speech at Rice University, John F. Kennedy spoke about the space race and going to the moon.

Video advice: Science Fair Friday Week 7: Writing a Research Plan

Week 7: Writing a Research Plan

Related Articles:

• What Is Background Research For Science Fair Project
• How To Write A Background Paper For Science Fair
• How To Write Background Information For Science Fair
• What Does Background Research Mean In Science
• How Do You Do Background Research For A Science Project
• How Do You Do A Science Fair Research Paper

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VFM 8th Grade Science Fair Project: Step 4: Background Research

• Step 1: Find a Project Idea
• Step 2: Formulate a Research Question & do a Project Proposal
• Step 3: State the Purpose
• Step 4: Background Research
• Free Web Search
• Step 5: Bibliography
• Step 6: Identify the Variables in your Experiment
• Step 7: Form a Hypothesis
• Step 8: Materials
• Step 9: Design & Write the Procedure
• Step 10: Perform the Experiment
• Step 11: Record your Data and Results
• Step 12: Analyze your Data & Results
• Step 13: Make a Conclusion
• Step 14: Write the Abstract
• Step 15: Acknowledgments
• Step 16: Title Page and Table of Contents
• Step 17: Proofread!
• Step 18: Write a Final Copy of your Lab Report
• Step 19: Create your Display Board
• Step 20: The VFMS Science Fair
• Oral Presentation
• Lab Journal/Notebook
• Schedule and Due Dates

In-Text Citation

• [APA] How do I write an APA parenthetical (in-text) reference? Give Credit to your website or author in the body of your research.

Background Research

Background research should help you to educate the reader of your project about important aspects of your topic.  

Using multiple resources, students should learn about past results of other experiments that are similar to theirs. Students should know how and why previous experimenters arrived at their conclusions. The background research should help the students give the “because…” in the “if… then… because…” section of their hypothesis.

20 - 30 facts from 3 sources  is a reasonable expectation for this section. In the final paper, this background research will be put into paragraph form.

Use the  Background Research Planning Worksheet  to help you formulate questions that you need to answer for your topic.  Each student should become an expert on anything that is closely related to their area of research. 

• Background Research Worksheet Complete this worksheet prior to beginning your background research for your project.
• Fact Collection Worksheet Collect 20-30 facts from a minimum of 3 sources: one source must be from Gale Science in Context
• Sample of Background Research Paragraphs Here is a sample of what your background research paragraphs might look like. Sample found on the web here: http://www.oncoursesystems.com/images/user/2162/302482/img074.jpg

Why You Should Use Databases

Databases are sometimes called the "deep web" or "invisible web" because their information is usually only accessible through paid subscriptions using passwords and isn't usually found (indexed) by search engines such as Google.

Database records are organized using a variety of indexes such as author and subject but are keyword searchable as well. 

Databases are either subject specific such as World History in Context or content specific such as the newspaper and magazine database through EBSCO. 

Databases contain information that has been checked for the  ABC's   of  authority  &   accuracy, bias, and content  &  currency . You can trust the information you find in databases, not like on the web or through Google searches. Sometimes it's accurate, but many times it isn't. 

Library Databases: Start your Search Here

What is Research?

Research is: 

• Driven by a question that guides the process.
• Seeking information with a clear goal.
• A process, which works best when done step- by-step. The steps may need to be repeated.
• Collection and interpretation of data in an attempt to resolve the problem.
• Going beyond facts and old ideas.
• Taking a new look at the information and taking a stand.

Research is not:

• Copying and pasting information you find through a Google search.
• Combining a paragraph from one article with a couple of paragraphs from websites. That's plagiarism.
• Rearranging facts
• Rewording each phrase and citing each source. That's just a summary of facts with someone else's name on them and still can be classified as plagiarism.

Words for the wise student: 

• Remember, begin with a "wide net" and then narrow your search results.
• If you only look for specific information to answer a specific question, you may miss many opportunities to broaden your understanding .
• Allow for surprises- you may find your views on your topic will change and take you in an entirely new direction.
• Remember that research is searching again and again.
• In the process of doing research, you will be looking at information that others have looked at before, trying to see something that they have not seen.
• << Previous: Step 3: State the Purpose
• Next: Free Web Search >>
• Last Updated: Jan 27, 2016 2:09 PM
• URL: https://tesd.libguides.com/VFMScienceFairProject