Scientific Paper Outline (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

• State the problem/question- The background information needs to lead into question that

is being investigated in this experiment. Make sure your scientific question is worded

clearly.

• State the Hypothesis- The introduction should conclude with the hypothesis for this

experiment. The hypothesis should be written in the “If…then…” form. You should include

explanations for your hypothesis.

III. Methods: (Include this title)~1-2 pages

• Summarize the methods (procedure) used to conduct your experiment in paragraph form.

Be thorough yet concise. It is not necessary to list the materials! DO NOT number the

steps of the procedures and do NOT copy the procedure section out of your book!

• Explain what was established as your control group, and what was established as your

experimental group in this experiment.

• Identify the independent and dependent variables.

• Identify the variables that were necessary to control for this experiment and why these

variables were controlled.

IV. Results: (Include this title)~1-2 pages (This section does not need to be in columns)

• Choose the most appropriate method for representing your data. All numerical data

gathered during the experiment must be presented in this section as a table, and a graph,

Tables and graphs must be computer generated and may not be done by hand!

• Make sure tables and graphs are appropriately titled, axes labeled.

• Non-numerical data must be represented as a picture.

• All tables, graphs, and pictures must include a 1-2 sentence caption explaining the graph,

table, or picture.

• Tips: Do NOT break a table up into different pages. Make sure your table fits on one

page. If it doesn’t, start the table on the following page.

V. Discussion/Conclusion (Include this title) ~2-3 pages

• First, restate the original problem and original hypothesis.

• Second, state if your hypothesis was supported or not supported.

• State and describe the numerical data/results.

• Provide an explanation for the results by referring back to the scientific background

information. This section will be read through very carefully to see if you truly

understand the scientific concepts of this lab and to see if you can express and support

your scientific thinking!

• Application: Now that you have the answer to the scientific question, discuss ways or

areas this valuable information is useful. How would this information be applied to other

fields of study? How would the general public or scientific community use this

information?

Scientific Paper Outline Page 2