The Research Process

1. The Research Process Science Fair Project

2. 1. Read and Highlight Information • Read through your science buddies project and highlight information under the Introduction section • Look in the Bibliography section and click on the websites. Read through the information on the websites and consider what information you want in your research paper.

3. 2. Make your Source Cards • You will need at least 3 sources • Start with Source A. For most of you, it is Science Buddies. Source A – “What is the Fastest Way to Cool a Soda?” Sciencebuddies.org. Science Buddies. 2013. 23 September 2013. http://www.sciencebuddies.org

4. Source B – First bullet point in the Bibliography section of your project. Source B - Hand, J., date unknown. "Convection, Conduction, and Radiation," Mansfield Middle School, Storrs, CT [accessed August 16, 2007] http://www.mansfieldct.org/schools/mms/staff/hand/convcondrad.htm.

5. Source C – Second bullet point in the Bibliography section of your project. Source C - Hand, J., date unknown. "How Atoms and Molecules Are Affected by Heat," Mansfield Middle School, Storrs, CT [accessed August 16, 2007] http://www.mansfieldct.org/schools/mms/staff/hand/atomsheat.htm.

6. 3. Make Note Cards • Look at the information that you highlighted or the information you considered using for your research paper. • Look at the source this information came from (Source card A, B C?) • Read the information, then paraphrase (summarize the information in your own words).

7. Make Note Cards 1A Potential Energy Potential Energy is stored energy meaning the object is not yet in motion. What does it all mean? 1A = Note card 1 from Source A Potential Energy = topic of information

8. How many note cards? • You need at least 25 note cards. • How do I make my note cards? • Make sure you define the terms and concepts in the Background section. • Try to answer the questions from the Background section. • Add any interesting facts that relate to your topic.

9. The Research Paper • Title Page • Name, Date, Class Period, Title of Project • The Research Paper • 5 paragraphs • Introduction, 3 body paragraphs, conclusion • Bibliography • At least 3 sources

10. Title Page • The title of your project: “What is the Fastest Way to Cool a Soda?” • First and Last Name • Date you began research: September 23, 2013 • 6th Grade Science • 4th Period

11. First Paragraph • Begin with your question • Add a quote from your research Which drink is best for athletes: orange juice or a sports drink? “Most experts agree that if you are engaged in light exercise, water is fine. But if you are exercising strenuously, you might need to replace some of the salt your body is losing through sweat (Electrolyte Challenge, 2012).

12. First Paragraph • Begin to define terms and concepts • If there were any terms in your question or quote, make sure you define those first. • First paragraph should be 5-7 sentences. • Cite your sources as you go: • Click on References • Click on Insert Citation • Click Add New Source • Fill out information and select OK