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Writing a Research Paper for Your Science Fair Project
- As you do your research, follow your background research plan and take notes from your sources of information. These notes will help you write a better summary.
- 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
- For every fact or picture in your research paper you should follow it with a citation telling the reader where you found the information. A citation is just the name of the author and the date of the publication placed in parentheses like this: (Author, date). This is called a reference citation when using APA format and parenthetical reference when using the MLA format. Its purpose is to document a source briefly, clearly, and accurately.
- If you copy text from one of your sources, then place it in quotation marks in addition to following it with a citation. Be sure you understand and avoid plagiarism! Do not copy another person's work and call it your own. Always give credit where credit is due!
- Title page (with the title of your project, your name, and the date)
- Your report
- Bibliography
- Check with your teacher for additional requirements such as page numbers and a table of contents
Year after year, students find that the report called the research paper is the part of the science fair project where they learn the most. So, take it from those who preceded you, the research paper you are preparing to write is super valuable.
What Is a Research Paper?
The short answer is that the research paper is a report summarizing the answers to the research questions you generated in your background research plan . It's a review of the relevant publications (books, magazines, websites) discussing the topic you want to investigate.
The long answer is that the research paper summarizes the theory behind your experiment. Science fair judges like to see that you understand why your experiment turns out the way it does. You do library and Internet research so that you can make a prediction of what will occur in your experiment, and then whether that prediction is right or wrong, you will have the knowledge to understand what caused the behavior you observed.
From a practical perspective, the research paper also discusses the techniques and equipment that are appropriate for investigating your topic. Some methods and techniques are more reliable because they have been used many times. Can you use a procedure for your science fair project that is similar to an experiment that has been done before? If you can obtain this information, your project will be more successful. As they say, you don't want to reinvent the wheel!
If these reasons sound to you like the reasons we gave for doing background research, you're right! The research paper is simply the "write-up" of that research.
Special Information to Include in Your Research Paper
Many science experiments can be explained using mathematics. As you write your research paper, you'll want to make sure that you include as much relevant math as you understand. If a simple equation describes aspects of your science fair project, include it.
Writing the Research Paper
Note taking.
As you read the information in your bibliography, you'll want to take notes. Some teachers recommend taking notes on note cards. Each card contains the source at the top, with key points listed or quoted underneath. Others prefer typing notes directly into a word processor. No matter how you take notes, be sure to keep track of the sources for all your key facts.
How to Organize Your Research Paper
The best way to speed your writing is to do a little planning. Before starting to write, think about the best order to discuss the major sections of your report. Generally, you will want to begin with your science fair project question so that the reader will know the purpose of your paper. What should come next? Ask yourself what information the reader needs to learn first in order to understand the rest of the paper. A typical organization might look like this:
- Your science fair project question or topic
- Definitions of all important words, concepts, and equations that describe your experiment
- The history of similar experiments
- Answers to your background research questions
When and How to Footnote or Reference Sources
When you write your research paper you might want to copy words, pictures, diagrams, or ideas from one of your sources. It is OK to copy such information as long as you reference it with a citation. If the information is a phrase, sentence, or paragraph, then you should also put it in quotation marks. A citation and quotation marks tell the reader who actually wrote the information.
For a science fair project, a reference citation (also known as author-date citation) is an accepted way to reference information you copy. Citation referencing is easy. Simply put the author's last name, the year of publication, and page number (if needed) in parentheses after the information you copy. Place the reference citation at the end of the sentence but before the final period.
Make sure that the source for every citation item copied appears in your bibliography.
Reference Citation Format
Examples of reference citations using apa format.
Below are examples of how reference citations would look in your paper using the APA format.
"If you copy a sentence from a book or magazine article by a single author, the reference will look like this. A comma separates the page number (or numbers) from the year" (Bloggs, 2002, p. 37).
"If you copy a sentence from a book or magazine article by more than one author, the reference will look like this" (Bloggs & Smith, 2002, p. 37).
"Sometimes the author will have two publications in your bibliography for just one year. In that case, the first publication would have an 'a' after the publication year, the second a 'b', and so on. The reference will look like this" (Nguyen, 2000b).
"When the author is unknown, the text reference for such an entry may substitute the title, or a shortened version of the title for the author" (The Chicago Manual, 1993).
"For reference citations, only direct quotes need page numbers" (Han, 1995).
"Some sources will not have dates" (Blecker, n.d.).
Credit Where Credit Is Due!
When you work hard to write something, you don't want your friends to loaf and just copy it. Every author feels the same way.
Plagiarism is when someone copies the words, pictures, diagrams, or ideas of someone else and presents them as his or her own. When you find information in a book, on the Internet, or from some other source, you MUST give the author of that information credit in a citation. If you copy a sentence or paragraph exactly, you should also use quotation marks around the text.
The surprising thing to many students is how easy it is for parents, teachers, and science fair judges to detect and prove plagiarism. So, don't go there, and don't make us try to hunt you down!
How to Format Your Research Paper
Here is information on how to format your research paper .
Here is a sample research paper in MLA format.
Research Paper Checklist
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Scaffolding Methods for Research Paper Writing
- Resources & Preparation
- Instructional Plan
- Related Resources
Students will use scaffolding to research and organize information for writing a research paper. A research paper scaffold provides students with clear support for writing expository papers that include a question (problem), literature review, analysis, methodology for original research, results, conclusion, and references. Students examine informational text, use an inquiry-based approach, and practice genre-specific strategies for expository writing. Depending on the goals of the assignment, students may work collaboratively or as individuals. A student-written paper about color psychology provides an authentic model of a scaffold and the corresponding finished paper. The research paper scaffold is designed to be completed during seven or eight sessions over the course of four to six weeks.
Featured Resources
- Research Paper Scaffold : This handout guides students in researching and organizing the information they need for writing their research paper.
- Inquiry on the Internet: Evaluating Web Pages for a Class Collection : Students use Internet search engines and Web analysis checklists to evaluate online resources then write annotations that explain how and why the resources will be valuable to the class.
From Theory to Practice
- Research paper scaffolding provides a temporary linguistic tool to assist students as they organize their expository writing. Scaffolding assists students in moving to levels of language performance they might be unable to obtain without this support.
- An instructional scaffold essentially changes the role of the teacher from that of giver of knowledge to leader in inquiry. This relationship encourages creative intelligence on the part of both teacher and student, which in turn may broaden the notion of literacy so as to include more learning styles.
- An instructional scaffold is useful for expository writing because of its basis in problem solving, ownership, appropriateness, support, collaboration, and internalization. It allows students to start where they are comfortable, and provides a genre-based structure for organizing creative ideas.
- In order for students to take ownership of knowledge, they must learn to rework raw information, use details and facts, and write.
- Teaching writing should involve direct, explicit comprehension instruction, effective instructional principles embedded in content, motivation and self-directed learning, and text-based collaborative learning to improve middle school and high school literacy.
Common Core Standards
This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.
State Standards
This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.
NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts
- 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
- 2. Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.
- 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
- 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
- 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
- 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
- 7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
- 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
- 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).
Materials and Technology
Computers with Internet access and printing capability
- Research Paper Scaffold
- Example Research Paper Scaffold
- Example Student Research Paper
- Internet Citation Checklist
- Research Paper Scoring Rubric
- Permission Form (optional)
Preparation
Student objectives.
Students will
- Formulate a clear thesis that conveys a perspective on the subject of their research
- Practice research skills, including evaluation of sources, paraphrasing and summarizing relevant information, and citation of sources used
- Logically group and sequence ideas in expository writing
- Organize and display information on charts, maps, and graphs
Session 1: Research Question
You should approve students’ final research questions before Session 2. You may also wish to send home the Permission Form with students, to make parents aware of their child’s research topic and the project due dates.
Session 2: Literature Review—Search
Prior to this session, you may want to introduce or review Internet search techniques using the lesson Inquiry on the Internet: Evaluating Web Pages for a Class Collection . You may also wish to consult with the school librarian regarding subscription databases designed specifically for student research, which may be available through the school or public library. Using these types of resources will help to ensure that students find relevant and appropriate information. Using Internet search engines such as Google can be overwhelming to beginning researchers.
Session 3: Literature Review—Notes
Students need to bring their articles to this session. For large classes, have students highlight relevant information (as described below) and submit the articles for assessment before beginning the session.
Checking Literature Review entries on the same day is best practice, as it gives both you and the student time to plan and address any problems before proceeding. Note that in the finished product this literature review section will be about six paragraphs, so students need to gather enough facts to fit this format.
Session 4: Analysis
Session 5: original research.
Students should design some form of original research appropriate to their topics, but they do not necessarily have to conduct the experiments or surveys they propose. Depending on the appropriateness of the original research proposals, the time involved, and the resources available, you may prefer to omit the actual research or use it as an extension activity.
Session 6: Results (optional)
Session 7: conclusion, session 8: references and writing final draft, student assessment / reflections.
- Observe students’ participation in the initial stages of the Research Paper Scaffold and promptly address any errors or misconceptions about the research process.
- Observe students and provide feedback as they complete each section of the Research Paper Scaffold.
- Provide a safe environment where students will want to take risks in exploring ideas. During collaborative work, offer feedback and guidance to those who need encouragement or require assistance in learning cooperation and tolerance.
- Involve students in using the Research Paper Scoring Rubric for final evaluation of the research paper. Go over this rubric during Session 8, before they write their final drafts.
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How to Write a Research Paper Outline In 7 Steps
A research paper outline is a supporting document that lists all the topics to include in a paper in the intended order, usually divided by paragraphs. The typical outline of a research paper also consists of other details like subtopics and evidential sources to help the writer stay organized. Some even have individual sentence topics and early ideas for phrasing.
Want to know how to write a research paper outline? This guide explains step by step what to include and how to write one yourself, including research paper outline examples.
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What is a research paper outline?
The outline is an integral part of how to write a research paper . The main purpose of a research paper outline is to structure the topics, data, and all other inclusions in the paper (like direct quotes) so you stay organized and don’t forget anything.
Conventionally, writers compose outlines after choosing a thesis statement and sourcing research evidence, but before writing the first draft . Making structural changes is far more efficient in the outlining phase than after you write the first draft; you can remove certain topics early on without wasting time writing them and add new topics before the drafting phase so you can write everything all at once.
The typical outline of a research paper is broken up into sections and paragraphs , listing each paragraph’s topic and the related evidence or data to include therein. The depth of detail can change depending on your writing style or the requirements of the paper, as we explain below.
Are there different kinds of research paper outlines?
In short, you decide what details to include in your research paper outline, although the requirements of the assignment influence what’s necessary. For example, a basic college research paper outline for a one-page assignment might contain only a list of four or five paragraph topics, whereas a formal research paper for a scientific study might outline each sentence in all five parts of a research paper: introduction, review of literature, methods, results, and discussion.
Research paper outlines can be one level, two level, and so on, depending on their intricacy. One-level outlines display just the section headings or main topics, while four-level outlines get very detailed with paragraph and sentence breakdowns.
There are three popular formats for research paper outlines: alphanumeric , full sentence , and decimal . Below, we’ll explain the details of each and illustrate their differences with the research paper outline examples, focused on the same topic: “Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Who’s the Best Basketball Player?”
Alphanumeric research paper outline
Alphanumeric is the most common outline format—with main topics listed as Roman numerals, subtopics as capital letters, specific points for each subtopic as Arabic numerals, and further details for individual points as lowercase letters.
You would write the information in quick blurbs—just a few words—instead of complete sentences.
Alphanumeric research paper outline example
I. Michael Jordan
A. Career Highlights
1. Six NBA Championships
a. Six NBA Finals MVP
2. US Olympics Basketball Team
a. 1984 Gold Medalist
b. 1992 Gold Medalist
3. Fourteen NBA All-Star Game selections
a. Three NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards
B. Achievements
1. Record-holder scoring average
a. Regular season (30.12 points per game)
b. Playoffs (33.45 points per game)
2. Other accolades
a. 1996 Space Jam
b. Owner of Charlotte Hornets
II. LeBron James
1. Four NBA Championships
a. Four NBA Finals MVP
a. 2008 Gold Medalist
b. 2012 Gold Medalist
3. Eighteen NBA All-Star Game selections
1. Philanthropy
a. LeBron James Family Foundation
b. Social activism
a. 2021 Space Jam
b. First player to accumulate $1 billion as an active player
III. Analysis and Discussion
A. Of course, Michael Jordan is better
Full-sentence research paper outline
Full-sentence research paper outlines have the same organization as alphanumeric outlines—with main topics listed as Roman numerals, subtopics as capital letters, subtopic points as Arabic numerals, and details for each point as lowercase letters.
However, the significant difference is that you would write the information in incomplete sentences instead of quick blurbs. The advantage is that your outline is more specific and easier to share with colleagues when working as a team. The disadvantage is that it takes a little longer to write.
Full-sentence research paper outline example
I. Michael Jordan is often considered the greatest basketball player of all time.
A. Jordan’s career in basketball is full of accomplishments and accolades.
1. During his career, Jordan won six NBA Championships.
a. Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP all six times he was eligible.
2. Jordan twice played for the US Olympics Basketball Team.
a. Jordan’s first Olympics was in 1984 when he won the gold medal.
b. Jordan won a second gold medal as part of the 1992 “Dream Team.”
3. Jordan was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game fourteen times.
a. Jordan won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award three times.
B. Jordan’s legacy encompasses achievements on and off the court.
1. Jordan still holds a couple of significant records in the NBA.
a. Jordan holds the record for the highest average of points per game during the regular season (30.12 points per game).
b. Jordan also holds the record for the highest average of points per game in the playoffs (33.45 points per game).
2. Jordan has notable success even when not playing basketball.
a. Jordan starred in the original 1996 film Space Jam.
b. Today, Jordan owns the Charlotte Hornets.
II. LeBron James is often considered Jordan’s strongest rival for the greatest basketball player.
A. James’s career mimics, and in some cases surpasses, that of Jordan’s career.
1. During his career, James won four NBA Championships.
a. James was named NBA Finals MVP all four times he was eligible.
2. Like Jordan, James twice played for the US Olympics Basketball Team.
a. James won the 2008 gold medal as part of the US basketball team.
b. James won the gold medal again in 2012.
3. James was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game eighteen times.
a. James won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award three times.
B. James has a rich life outside of basketball as well.
1. More than Jordan, James is known for his philanthropic work.
a. James started the LeBron James Family Foundation charity.
b. James fearlessly took public stances on controversial social issues.
2. Aside from charity, James has a few other distinctions from his lifetime.
a. James starred in the 2021 Space Jam remake.
b. James is the first NBA player to accumulate $1 billion as a player.
III. Considering the highlights of both athletes’ careers, who is better?
A. Of course, Michael Jordan is better.
Decimal research paper outline
Decimal research paper outlines forgo the alphanumeric system and instead use a system of numbers with increasing decimal points—with main topics listed as whole numbers (1 or 1.0), subtopics with one decimal point (1.1), points under a subtopic with two decimal points (1.1.1), and further details with three decimal points (1.1.1.1).
Each new piece of information uses the subsequent number (1.1.1, 1.1.2, etc.), so you always know where you are in the outline. You would write the content for each line in quick blurbs, just like the original alphanumeric formal.
Decimal research paper outlines are the most thorough but can get complicated. They’re recommended for writers who prefer technical precision or for lengthy outlines with many topics and subtopics.
Decimal research paper outline example
1 Michael Jordan
1.1 Career Highlights
1.1.1. Six NBA Championships
1.1.2 US Olympics Basketball Team
1.1.3 Fourteen NBA All-Star Game selections
1.2 Achievements
1.2.1 Record-holder scoring average
1.2.2 Other accolades
2 LeBron James
2.1 Career Highlights
2.1.1 Four NBA Championships
2.1.2 US Olympics Basketball Team
2.1.3 Eighteen NBA All-Star Game selection
2.2 Achievements
2.2.1 Philanthropy
2.2.2 Other accolades
3 Analysis and Discussion
3.1 Of course, Michael Jordan is better
7 steps to follow when outlining a research paper
1 choose your thesis and gather sources.
Your outline is not the first step in writing a research paper. Before that, you first need to choose a thesis and then gather primary and secondary sources to back it up.
Your thesis is essentially what the research paper is about. Your thesis is given to you in some assignments, but sometimes, as with independent research, you’ll have to develop one on your own.
Once you’ve settled on a thesis, you’ll need evidence to support it. Collect all the relevant sources and data early on so that you know what to write about. Researching often reveals new aspects of your topic that you hadn’t known about before. It may dispel any misinterpretations you have—better to find out you’re wrong sooner rather than later. For help on how to cite your sources, use our free Citation Generator .
Keep in mind that the outline is just one part of writing a research paper. If you want to read more advice, take a look at our full guide on how to write a research paper .
2 Make a list of all the topics, subtopics, and points you want to cover
Go through your research and note each topic, subtopic, and supporting point. Be sure to keep related information together. Remember that everything you discuss in your paper should relate to your thesis, so omit anything that seems tangential.
If you’ve highlighted any specific passages or quotes from your sources, feel free to include them too. They aren’t necessary for all research paper outlines, but they save you time when you’re in the middle of writing your first draft.
3 Choose the best type of research paper outline for the assignment
Choose the type of research paper outline that best matches your topic, the assignment’s length, and the complexity of your paper. Simple papers only require simple outlines, but more advanced topics with lots of research can benefit from more detailed outlines.
Consider whether you’re sharing your outline with other team members or whether you’re writing it solo. Likewise, consider the length and amount of topics. The decimal format can help organize long papers, but feel free to stick with alphanumeric if it makes you comfortable.
4 Consider the structure and sequence of your topics
Before actually writing the research paper outline, think long and hard about the order in which you present your topics. What is the most logical sequence? What structure would communicate most clearly to your readers, who may be unfamiliar with these topics?
Keep in mind that some topics only make sense if they come after other topics. Before presenting new findings or revelations, you may want to add background or contextual information first. All other factors being equal, a chronological sequence is often the most logical structure.
5 Create the framework for your outline
Rather than writing your research paper outline entirely at once, start with just the framework. Try putting the main topics in order without yet including any subtopics or supporting points.
Starting with the framework gives you a clear look at the backbone of your research paper. Now would be a good time to rearrange the order if there’s a problem or add a new topic if you find something is missing. It’s never too late to go back and conduct more research to flesh out the areas you feel are lacking.
6 Add in more details
After you’re satisfied with the framework, go ahead and add the details. Most research paper outlines benefit from including the paragraph structure , so feel free to add lines about your topic sentence, development/support sentences, and conclusion for each paragraph.
If you want to get meticulous, you can add a few notes about sentence structure . Be careful of getting too detailed, though—otherwise, you’re writing a first draft instead of an outline!
7 Revise to improve structure
Finally, check your completed outline to see if there’s room for improvement. This is your last chance before you begin the first draft.
Double-check that all your topics are presented in the optimal order for your reader. Also, look over your research notes again to see if you’ve forgotten anything. Once your outline is the way you want it, it’s time to begin writing your research paper.
Research paper outline FAQs
What is a research paper outline.
A research paper outline is a supporting document that defines the structure of a research paper. The author creates the outline before the first draft to stay on track when writing .
How is a research paper outline structured?
Research paper outlines are generally divided into sections, paragraphs, and individual sentences or points. The amount of detail in a research paper outline varies depending on the writer’s style, the assignment requirements, and the complexity of the topic.
What are the different formats of research paper outlines?
Three popular formats for research paper outlines are alphanumeric , full sentence , and decimal .
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Simple Guideline On How To Write A Research Paper For Middle School
As a middle school student writing a research paper there are a few key things you need to know. You need to pick a topic that suits your paper requirements. If you are writing a paper for an English class, you may not be able to get away with writing on the topic of economics, unless otherwise approves by your teacher. The topic you pick must be precise. You won't get very far if you pick a large topic for a small paper.
For example, writing a history research paper on the effects of slavery on the southern states is far too broad a topic, especially for a research paper that is between two and five pages. Instead, narrow down your topic to something a bit more manageable.
After you have your topic, you should follow these rules for writing the research paper:
- The first is writing a thesis statement. The thesis explains what your paper is about and what problem you are trying to answer. You want the thesis statement to be the last sentence of your introduction.
- The introduction is the first paragraph which gives the reader background. So if your topic relates to slavery then your introduction might include a sentence about what slavery was in America and how long it lasted.
- After the introduction you want the body of the research paper. The body should be three to five paragraphs based on your requirements. Each paragraph should have a specific point made followed by evidence to back up the point. That means you need to find three points to support your thesis statement. If, for example, your thesis is that cell phones should not be permitted in classrooms, each paragraph in your body should explain one point why not with evidence to back it up.
- And speaking of evidence, what is it really? Evidence is data or facts or quotes from professionals that you include to support your statement. If you claim that teenagers cheat with their cell phones in class, you should find a quote or statistic related to the number of students who cheat.
Once you are done you need to conclude your paper with the concluding paragraph. This paragraph is where you mention your thesis statement again in a different way and mention your main reasons again. By using these tips you will be well on your way to completing a great research paper for whichever class you are in.
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206 Middle School Research Topics: Original Ideas List
As middle schoolers prepare to go to high school, they are introduced slowly to essay and research writing. They are sometimes given homework that involves picking suitable topics and writing on them.
Middle schoolers in their preteen age are taught how to be creative, air out their opinions and conduct little research. It helps make them critical thinkers and prepares them for more writing tasks as they advance in their education.
This article will help middle schoolers understand what is expected of them when asked to write an essay or research on a topic. It will also expose them to different areas where they can write and many research topics for middle school they can pick from.
What Should Be In A Middle School Research Paper?
Middle school research papers are often not required to be extended. They are in a unique position where they move from writing simple pieces to more detailed essays and research papers. This is the foundation where they learn to write excellent papers as they transcend to high school and eventually college.
Writing an essay in middle school is not very different from writing in other stages. Some steps to get you started are
- Do Your Pre-Writing :Start with brainstorming on middle school research topics to determine what you would like your essay to be about. There are many options to pick from and several general subjects to break down into topics you want.
Pick up to three topics when you first brainstorm. From there, you can select the best one to write on.
What Can Middle Schoolers Write About?
There are many general subjects that middle schoolers can write about in their assignments. Streaming from what they have been taught in the classroom or their experiences outside class.
Some issues that can create good middle school research paper topics include:
Science : This broad aspect covers earth science, geology, physical science, life science, and genetics. Science research paper topics for middle school will encourage the students to be interested in growth and learning how things work. Social Studies : This will involve learning about their history, other people’s cultures, human interaction, family, etc. This will create fun research topics for 6th graders, learning about life and how relationships work. Literature : This is the best time to learn about books and works of art. The literature will provide many topics to research for middle school students.
There are many more aspects that middle school students can research and write papers on. Discover more than 200 interesting research topics for middle school students below. However don’t worry if the assignment seems too difficult for you. You are only at the beginning of the path and our cheap research writing service will be happy to get you through with your paper.
Good Research Topics For Middle School
Students who have no experience writing papers and are looking for good research topics to work on are in luck. The topics below are suitable for all middle schoolers and can create detailed essays.
- Should students be compelled to wear a specific uniform?
- Textbooks or tablets: which is better to read from?
- Obesity in American youth: Causes and solutions.
- Should boys and girls be allowed to play on the same athletics team?
- Should young people be allowed to play violent video games?
- Impact of continuously playing violent video games.
- When can we say someone is spending too much time in front of the screen?
- Listening to music during class: Does it disturb concentration?
- How to recognize harmful content on the internet?
- Should all businesses be compelled to recycle?
- What is the appropriate punishment for students who engage in cyberbullying?
- Should school hours be adjusted to later in the morning?
- Should our scientists be allowed to test drugs on animals?
- Why do people’s behavior change in different settings?
- Is sex education important?
- Different types of poetry and how they came about.
- What to do if you are being bullied on the internet.
- How to have healthy self-esteem.
- Why does the human body need sleep?
- Insect repellents, are they helpful?
- Why did dinosaurs go extinct?
- What is skateboarding?
- The effects of tobacco on the body.
- Artificial tanning: Risks and benefits.
- What is spam email? Where does it come from, and how can we stop it?
- What is a desert mirage? How does it affect people?
- What are penguins? Where do they stay, and what do they eat?
- When and how was America created?
- Who are some well know and inspirational women?
- Who are some famous inventors?
- What famous inventions helped in shaping human existence?
- Steps you can take to protect yourself from scammers online.
- What is a cryptocurrency, and why is it so popular?
- What did the invention of the mobile phone do to change the world?
- How to handle stress from school.
- How can issues in the family affect a child?
- Is your school working hard enough to prevent bullying?
- Should we use mobile phones and tablets in class?
- Does technology make you smarter?
- What is an unhealthy life, and what are the effects?
- Is there any benefit of doing homework?
- What is video game addiction, and how to stop it?
- What is a museum, and what can be found in it?
- What can we do to reduce climate change?
- Is soda suitable for children?
- Does everyone have to go to college?
- Comparing homework and class assignments.
- What is physical education?
- How the internet has changed our life
- What is peer pressure?
- What effect has global warming had on the environment?
- What is racism?
- What is a healthy diet?
- Should students be able to pick what they learn?
- Do movies depict what happens in real life?
- Is arts a vital part of the school curriculum?
- What are the challenges students face?
- How do we conserve energy in our homes?
- What is pop culture?
- Should parents monitor their children’s social media?
Fun Research Topics for Middle School
Writing an essay shouldn’t always be stressful or tedious. These topics will make writing papers fun. The topics below can hold the researcher’s attention for a long time as they work on completing their project.
- How should celebrities who break the law be punished?
- What is bulletproof clothing made of?
- All there is to know about hip-hop.
- What do we know about ninjas?
- Do lie detector tests work?
- What are the ingredients contained in a hotdog?
- Sharks, how do they hunt, and what do they eat?
- How do search engines work?
- Some fascinating extinct animals, and what happened to them?
- How to manage time effectively.
- How does insufficient sleep affect the brain?
- How to let go of bad habits?
- How do parents help us grow?
- How to become a better writer.
- Are dogs and cats enemies?
- Why do parents punish children for bad behavior?
- What is the best punishment for naughty kids?
- Is magic real?
- How to save money effectively?
- What is self-development?
- How to motivate yourself to be a better student?
- When should you begin to earn money?
- What’s the secret of having a successful life?
- How not to become a game addict.
Middle School Research Project Ideas
Research shouldn’t always end as essay writing. Sometimes, you need hands-on projects to keep the middle schooler busy. The list below can serve as an ideal hub for research ideas for middle school students and work as interesting essay topics.
- Investigating what life is like inside a beehive.
- Steps in creating a movie.
- How do our brains store memories and retrieve them when we need them?
- What is a landform?
- What are some important holidays around the world, and who celebrates them?
- What are some significant symbols used in world holidays?
- Creating an ecosystem: what’s the process involved?
- Research on some exotic underwater creatures.
- What is a meteor?
- How to build a crossword puzzle.
- What is advertising: create a short advertisement campaign.
- Write the story of your life.
- Create a calendar highlighting critical events in your life.
- Create your family tree.
Science Research Topics for Middle School
Science is an exciting part of our lives. Because of science, the quality of our lives has increased, and there are many more inventions to come. These topics can engage the curious mind of the youngster and introduce them to science-related subjects to work on.
- Earthquakes: Its causes and effects.
- Computer viruses. What are they, and how do they spread?
- Evolution of human beings.
- Are human beings still evolving?
- What is alchemy?
- What is a black hole? How is it formed?
- What is a submarine? Who uses them, and how do they work?
- What is the cause of tornadoes?
- What is a sinkhole, and how do they form?
- Research on one of the planets in the solar system.
- Understanding glaciers and icebergs.
- What are volcanoes, and how do they form?
- The different types of volcanoes and what causes them.
- Who are the most famous scientists, and what are they famous for?
- What are the components of airplanes that make them fly?
- What are fossils, and what do they teach us?
- How do genetics and DNA affect how we look?
- Why does the moon change color and shape sometimes?
- What is a Lunar eclipse?
- What is pollution?
- The different types of pollution and what can be done to curb them?
- Can fruits play a part in medicine?
- What is flooding?
- What is an ecosystem?
- What measures do butterflies take to defend themselves?
- Different types of butterflies.
- What is a skeleton, and why is it an essential part of the body?
- How many bones are in a skeleton? Which are the most important?
- Who is a marine biologist?
- What is the connection between a marine biologist and the weather?
- What are the risks marine biologists face when they dive?
- Different types of fossils?
- Are whales still hunted?
- What is scientific research, and who conducts it?
- What is the job of the nervous system?
- Understanding the concept of hibernation?
- What are the necessities plants need to grow?
- Who are the people who study dinosaurs?
- Mammals and reptiles: Similarities and differences.
- Why don’t human beings float?
- What is a prism, and what does it do?
- What gives humans the ability to lift heavy things?
- What factors can cause earthquakes?
- How is wind measured?
- What differentiates a planet from a star?
- What is a galaxy? What galaxy is the earth?
- Who is an astronaut, and what is their job?
- What is a waterfall?
- Do plants drink water?
- Why do oil and water not mix?
- What is microbiology?
- How can we preserve our natural resources?
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exploring space.
- What are bacteria, and how useful is it to humans?
- The similarities between temperature and heat.
Other Topics to Research for Middle School
We cannot run out of topics for middle schoolers, as several aspects are available to look at. Here are some other topics that can jump-start your essay writing process.
- Is it advisable for students to be with their cell phones all day?
- Should the minimum age for getting a driving license be raised?
- The differences between homeschooling and standard schooling: which is better?
- Does social media have a positive or negative impact on teenagers?
- Going vegan, is it good for your health?
- Who is a Monk, and what is his lifestyle/routine?
- How did humans domesticate cats and dogs, and why?
- How is America helping endangered animals?
- How is climate change affecting us?
- What are the effects of video games on teenagers and children?
- Do Athletes make good models?
- Who is to blame for the number of homeless people in America?
- Should we have shorter school weeks?
- Should parents monitor websites visited by their children?
- What is cybercrime?
- What can we don’t protect our environment?
- Instant messaging, do they affect literacy?
- What are the most effective ways of achieving academic excellence?
- What is a good movie that influenced us in 2022?
- Are tests a good way of judging a student’s intelligence?
- How does music help us feel better?
- How to choose the best research project ideas for middle school students.
- Why is it important to learn multiple languages?
- Do learning techniques affect behavior?
- Bullying and its effects on mental health.
- All you need to know about distant learning
- Should prayer be part of school activities?
- Do we need math formulas in real scenarios?
- When should students start undergoing leadership training?
- How to write a good essay.
- How does night vision work?
- What is the solar system?
- What is Nasa, and what do they do?
- What is a natural disaster, and what can cause one to happen?
- What is the process of becoming a president of the United States?
- How many presidents has the United States had?
- What are some of the responsibilities and privileges of the president?
- Learning about Vice Presidents and First Ladies of the United States.
- Is social media dangerous for children?
- Does the location where you grow up affect who you become?
- What is a participation trophy? Is it necessary?
- Should there be a screen time limit for children?
- What are the responsibilities of a government to its citizens?
- What is a curfew, and why do kids have them?
- Is grounding an effective punishment?
- Should physical education be necessary for everyone?
- What are some advantages of knowing how to read?
- How can cell phones be used productively while in class?
- What are the qualities of a good leader?
- What are hobbies, and what do they do for us?
- Should less homework be given to students?
- What is summer school? Does it help students?
- What age is appropriate for children to be left alone at home?
If You Need Paper Writing Help
There are many ways to brainstorm ideas for your middle school homework. The research project ideas for middle school and the topics listed above will make it easier to begin.
After picking a suitable topic, the next step is writing the entire paper. This will involve a lot of research and fact-finding to get accurate information for your paper. It doesn’t end at research, as you still have to write a great essay to score high marks. This could be a daunting task for many students.
After attending class, you may not have adequate time to write your essay yourself, if this is your situation, it’s okay to search for help on the internet. A quick google search for “write my paper” will result in several websites promising to write the best essay for you. However, you need to make your research before hiring an online writer for your assignment.
If you need someone to write your assignment, we can be of help. We provide fast, reliable, custom paper writing services that can be completed online. Our services are available to every student, including university, middle school, high school, and college students. Our team of writers consists of professionals and teachers who are always available to ensure that you meet your deadlines.
Contact us with a message “ write my research paper for me cheap ” and enjoy the perfect result!
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How to Write a Research Paper for Middle School
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Do you know how to write a research paper for middle school? This is a paper that explores a given topic and in detail. It uses solid evidence to support specific claim or argument. As a middle school student, this is one of the most complex assignments you have to write. As a result, it is imperative that you treat writing as a process, understand prewriting and even revision because they are crucial and play a great role in determining the quality of your paper.
Know how to write a research paper for middle school
One of the most important things you should focus on when writing your research paper is the mode of the essay, its accompanying rules and procedures. Note that you will use your evidence to support your argument or the thesis. Therefore, you keep all middle school assignment parameters in mind. They include
- Sources of information- all your sources must be primary sources from the library or online
- Research-you need to carry out extensive research on the topic assigned
- Notecards-create two notecards per source and follow the format provided for your assignment
- Writing process- after research, write your paper while citing relevant sources
- Citing sources-create a Work’s cited page following the MLA standard for citing of your sources. Note that you should complete this in the format recommended by your tutor in your research paper assignment sheet
- Typing and formatting-type your research paper (Font 12) accurately and format it in black ink, Times New Roman and double space it. The reason why you should format your research paper well is that it makes it presentable and easy to read. It also boosts your overall grade.
- Total page requirements-depending on your middle school grade, your research paper should be between 2 to 4 typed pages plus a cover page and a Works Cited page.
- Due date- submit your assignment on time. Your tutor will always offer a calendar for due dates and it is wise that you adhere to it.
- Grades-the research paper will be worth 300 points or so. This depends on your grade and you will receive a grade sheet from tutor.
Most importantly, all sections of a research paper for middle school will follow MLA format. You can always learn how to write a research paper for middle school MLA format and perfect your skills.
Prewriting process for a research paper for middle school
Once you understand the basics of your assignment, you should start the prewriting process. Spend quality time, say half of the time allotted for your assignment on prewriting. It will help you understand how to write a research paper for high school with ease as well as your research topic.
Therefore, begin with a brainstorming session of the topic assigned and determine whether the thesis of your paper will work for the assignment.
Move on to carry out the research. Try to explain the differences between your sources and find ways to enhance your essay.
Use your notecards to organize your ideas and thoughts. This is very important because it enables you to present your argument strongly.
Once your ideas are in place, it is essential that you outline your essay. An outline is very crucial for any research paper because it is the blueprint for your paper. Therefore, having a strong outline enhances the writing process and makes drafting/editing easy.
Example of an outline
- Main idea 1-
Support for key idea 1
Support for key idea 1 and additional support including details to mention
- B . Key Idea 2
- Continue with main idea
How sub points of an outline should be organized in MLA format
- Introduction
- Essay map for instance character, contributions and skills
- Body paragraph one
- Body paragraph two
- Body paragraph three
- Conclusion, which should focus on other features, restating the thesis and a concluding quote
How to write a research paper for middle school and drafting process
Understanding how to write a research paper for middle and the drafting process is very essential. As soon as you have a solid outline and have your ideas in place, you need to begin your first draft. Stick to your outline and focus on smooth transitions from idea to the other or from one topic of discussion to the other.
Make your first draft and critique the structure of your arguments to make a compelling claim. evaluate your introduction and determine whether it is a hook, study your body paragraphs and ensure there are smooth transitions between them and go ahead to analyze your conclusion.
Editing and revising research paper for middle school
Editing and revising your paper is often the final and simplest step. Know how to write a research paper for middle school that is flawless, relevant and honest. For this reason, make the most of collaborative learning, proofread, edit and revise your paper. Check on
MLA headings, citations and bibliography pages
Spelling and grammar errors
Ensure your essay is accurate and meets all your tutors’ requirements.
How to write a research paper for middle school in 7 simple steps
- Choose a good topic
You may be assigned a topic and you may to choose your own. Therefore, select a good topic that you are curious about but avoid subjects that you already have a lot of knowledge about
- Brainstorm, refine your topic and develop a thesis
Carry out preliminary reading about your research topic and get at least one significant aspect to explore in-depth
- Research your topic and take notes
Utilize primary and online sources to gather credible information. This will help you to understand better how to write a research paper for middle school and settle for intelligent ideas about the subject you are writing about. Most importantly, your information should be Relevant, Appropriate, Detailed, Current, and Credible and not biased.
- Develop a thesis
Formulate a thesis by focusing on your purpose. Are you going to analyze? Consider small and major points of your topic and settle for those that prove your thesis. Start with the strongest points and support it with solid evidence. Once you have settled for the best ideas, construct the last or final thesis statement to include in your research paper.
- Write an outline
Use your note cards, review them and select the strongest claims to support your topic and thesis sentences. Order your concrete details (CDs) logically.
Get all the information from your outline and write them in paragraphs while keeping in mind cited information. Remember to cite all sources correctly including quotes and all paraphrased ideas
- Revise and Polish to eliminate all possible errors
Research paper for middle school examples
Topic: Nutrition
Health and Environmental effects of Industrial Food
In an effort to increase food production and feed a population that is ever growing, several measures have been put in place to supplement organic food farming. One of the measures is adoption and practice of various industrial food production methods. The methods and operations aims at maximizing profits by optimally enhancing production. From their intense activities, the practices are prone to cause a lot of environmental harm due to heavy dependence on petroleum products and oil. This is coupled with extensive use of chemicals, antibiotics and hormones that degrade the environment.
You can read this research paper and see how ideas flow logically based on a simple research paper outline.
Topic: Darien Scheme
Darien Scheme was one unfortunate ambition of few individuals to create a colony on the Isthmus of Darien in 1698. Following the ill faced scheme, Scotland lost its economic standing and became bankrupt. As per history, Darien Scheme was a William Peterson scheme, the founder of the Bank of England. Having extensively travelled through America and West Indies, Peterson, a Scot, drew most of his fortunes from international trade……………………………………………………………………………….
This link leads you to the above sample research paper for middle school. Find out more about research paper from the link.
Gender Wage Gap
Gender gap is an issue that has generated tough debate in the US and many other nations across the globe. It is the difference between the wages that women earn and wages earned by. This can be measured in different ways but the most commonly used method has been evaluation of full time and full year wages.
This is a simple research paper topic for middle school. You can go through the entire paper at essay experts and learn more on how a good paper should be written.
Is your research paper writing task stressful and time consuming? Do you wish for extra help from competent and professional writers? Here at essay experts , we help you enjoy the best research paper and assignment writing experience. We help you understand what the writing process entails and craft quality papers for you. Explore our services today and reap the benefits.
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http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/marquette/departments/language%20arts%20downloads/research%20paper%20guidelines.pdf
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Jan 13, 2021
Science Research Paper Topics For Middle School
- Academic *Writing @@Help https://tinyurl.com/y7yp6ffj
- Great Research Paper Ideas On Science For Middle School. Science has undeniably been a very broad and intricate subject matter to study. to write about and to find and provide answers for. However. it can’t also be denied that it is a topic that you can enjoy writing since there are countless of possible topics to discuss that revolves around it. While it is true that it can be at time very . . .
- Science projects encourage middle school students to use their writing and research skills. One of the first steps for writing a research paper is to find a topic you would like to write about. A good science research topic for middle school asks a question about the topic and offers plenty of information a student can use to answer that question.
- Other government organizations that offer good essay topics include the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory which runs summer science camps for middle school students and a science bowl in which students compete. They also have an annual essay contest with varying themes. such as: “Combustion. hybrid. or electric?
- Earth Science Research Paper Topics for Middle School Environmental science provides the most urgent research questions. Indeed. scientific and technological progress. along with the increased anthropogenic pressure on the environment. inevitably led to an aggravation of the ecological situation.
- as a science essay topic? Answer: . . . Thx helped me with school. Mae on January 02. 2018: I loved these topics. I used them for my science researches. I liked the plants the most. joshua on November 30. 2017: hey these are some great topics. Bella on October 24. 2017: I liked the ideas it helped me lots. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on September 20. 2017: Great idea …
- 83 % (156) Science research paper topics for middle school; True colors personality essay write an essay on global warming not more than 300 words we can change the world and make it a better place essay. Mere jeevan ka lakshya essay in hindi 150 words. Essays against genetic engineering. journal research papers education. essay on benefits of positive attitude strategic human resource . . .
- Science research paper topics for middle school Many middle school teachers use journals. Crime and Law 9. 2. teens scored below average in math and science compared to students in other industrialized nations. according to an analysis by the National. Read also: The Most Interesting Synthesis Topics. All you have to do is think about a subject that really interests you • A research paper . . .
- Once you have an idea of what you want to write about in your research paper. make sure your topic is neither broad or narrow. If the research paper topic is too narrow. you might hardly find the appropriate literature. In-depth themes provide too many sources. 200 Most Brilliant Research Paper Topics Research Paper Topics for College
- 100 Technology Paper Topics for Research Papers. 150 Science Essay Topic Ideas. Or if you are a student looking for a science experiment. I have posted step-by-step instructions for a variety of projects and you can find a list of links in my article: Science Fair Experiments. COVID-19 Topics
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The research and writing process at Sunapee Middle High School is guided by the following steps.
1. KNOW THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCH PAPER The sample middle school research paper and the sample high school paper can be used to learn about the basic characteristics of a research paper .
2. CREATE A WORKABLE TOPIC WITH RESEARCH QUESTIONS An easy way to shape your topic is to develop a topic in the form of a question. Once you've established your primary research question, your next task is to develop two or three secondary focus questions, as illustrated in these slides , in order to guide your research.
3. USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF INFORMATION SOURCES FOR YOUR RESEARCH You should use a variety of sources when researching , spending most of your time in the library's databases looking at books, magazine articles, and perhaps some professional journal articles . If you use websites, they should be checked for credibility .
4. USE ADVANCED SEARCH OPTIONS FOR DATABASE SEARCHING Unlike Google, databases don't work well with natural language searching. In order to find database sources on your topic, you'll therefore need to develop a list of keywords (search terms) that describe what you're looking for, and then combine them in your searching. Here are two slides that show how to create and combine search terms . You should also use other advanced search strategies , explained in the two videos below, to further refine your search results.
5. SEARCH APPROPRIATE DATABASES AND KEEP TRACK OF YOUR SOURCES Some of the library's databases are useful for advanced high school research, while others are more appropriate for middle school. The targeted grade levels for each database, which appear on the Databases page of this website, should be used when beginning the search process. As you find helpful information in your search, it's important to keep track of your sources! You should keep a Google Doc with a list of each source’s permalink .
6. ENTER YOUR SOURCES INTO NOODLETOOLS BEFORE TAKING NOTES Before starting to take notes, enter your information sources into a project in your NoodleTools account. The video below shows how to get started, but there's more information on the NoodleTools page of this website, including how to share your sources and notes with your teacher.
7. CREATE NOTES AND ALIGN THEM WITH YOUR SOURCES All writers must cite their sources in order to give original authors credit for their ideas and phrasing. If you were to portray their ideas or phrasing as your own, you'd be committing plagiarism. Thus, as you create notes during your research, be sure to associate each piece of information with its correct source. It is recommended that you accomplish this by using the Notecard feature in NoodleTools, explained in the video below. Or, if you prefer, you can take notes with pen and paper or type notes into a Google Doc .
8. ESTABLISH YOUR THESIS AND OUTLINE YOUR PAPER Establishing a thesis statement should occur before outlining your paper. Your thesis, or the main argument around which your paper will stay focused, is a one- or two-sentence answer to your primary research question. After settling on a thesis, organize your supporting evidence by outlining your paper using the Outline feature within NoodleTools. Outlines produced within NoodleTools can be printed, which might be helpful when writing your paper.
9. BEGIN WRITING YOUR RESEARCH PAPER Once your thesis has been established and your outline has been completed, it's time to begin writing your paper. All papers should start with a quality introductory paragraph .
10. FINISH WRITING AND PROPERLY FORMAT YOUR RESEARCH PAPER Following the introductory paragraph, you'll want to write informative body paragraphs that begin with clear topic sentences. All topic sentences and body paragraph information must support your thesis. And body paragraphs, as explained here , must contain citations to your information sources . As you write you'll also want to properly format your paper to comply with MLA style guidelines .
11. EVALUATE YOUR WORK Unless you're out of time and your due date is upon you, consider addressing any shortcomings in your work. You can review your work by using the SMHS Research Paper Rubric .
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Science Research Topics for Middle School
Kimberly turtenwald.
Teachers use research papers to make their students think more in depth about scientific subjects. Science projects encourage middle school students to use their writing and research skills. One of the first steps for writing a research paper is to find a topic you would like to write about. A good science research topic for middle school asks a question about the topic and offers plenty of information a student can use to answer that question.
Explore this article
- How Do Airplanes Fly?
- The Ocean and the Moon
- Greenhouse Effect
1 How Do Airplanes Fly?
When you look at an airplane, you may wonder how something so large and heavy can fly so easily into the air. Physics and aerodynamics play a big part in how and why airplanes are capable of flying. Detail how airplanes are designed in a way that helps them to fly despite their size and weight. You can compare the basic shape of the airplane with that of a bird and the similarities and differences between the way they fly.
2 The Ocean and the Moon
The tides of the ocean are easily observed, but the big question is, how do they work? The moon's gravitational pull is actually the reason why the tides go in and out. A research paper on this topic requires you to research scientific facts and observations that allow you see how the moon's gravity causes the tides. You will then describe that process as a part of your research paper. You can also do experiments to include in your report.
Fossils are the remains of ancient creatures that have been immortalized in stone over time. A research paper on fossils can help readers to understand how these rocks have been formed and why they bear the markings of creatures from long ago. The process of fossilization is very precise and without certain conditions, it will not work properly. A middle school research paper on this topic can detail this process and also include information on the many different types of fossils that can be found.
The way we look is determined by our genetic makeup. This genetic makeup is created by the genetic material -- the DNA -- we inherit from our parents, half from each. For this research topic, you can use your own family or a friend's family to show how traits can be passed on and how genetics work. Pick traits that are obvious to others, such as hair and eye color or earlobe shapes. Create a chart as part of your research paper to show the relationship between the parents' looks and those of their children.
5 Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is something that affects everyone. The weather in the world is changing and many of these changes are due to the changes in the atmosphere. A research paper on this topic allows you to evaluate the reasons why these changes are taking place and what can be done by humans to help slow down these effects. You can also address the impacts that will happen over time if the greenhouse effect continues in the direction it is currently going.
- 1 University of California Museum of Paleontology
- 2 Education.com: Explore Genetics by Finding Family Traits
- 3 Science Made Simple: Science Projects, Ideas & Topics
- 4 Science Buddies: Is It Getting Hot in Here? Investigate the Greenhouse Effect
About the Author
Kimberly Turtenwald began writing professionally in 2000. She has written content for various websites, including Lights 2 You, Online Consultation, Corpus Personal Injury and more. Turtenwald studied editing and publishing at Wisconsin Lutheran College.
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Great Research Paper Ideas On Science For Middle School
Science has undeniably been a very broad and intricate subject matter to study, to write about and to find and provide answers for. However, it can’t also be denied that it is a topic that you can enjoy writing since there are countless of possible topics to discuss that revolves around it. While it is true that it can be at time very challenging to handle, still, you can’t ignore the reality that it is certainly a good subject to delve into because it could open your eyes and thoughts to a lot of things which you couldn’t even imagine.
In addition, for many middle school students, writing projects are not very much preferred. Needless to say, it is not really fun to write especially when you are not into this kind of activity. But, the truth is being a student won’t spare you from dealing with such task- after all, it’s considered a very essential component of your academic life which you seriously need to complete. It may be true that writing isn’t an enjoyable activity, but this is definitely a good way to widen your thoughts about almost anything.
Are you in need of great research paper ideas for your science subject? There is no reason for you to worry about accomplishing an A+ research paper about science because there are a number of possible topics that you can look for and start writing about. For sure, you will find them quite informative and worth-reading. Take in mind that it helps to choose the one that you are most interested in so that it will be easier and a lot enjoyable for you to write.
Here are some research paper ideas on science for middle school:
- How do animals communicate with humans?
- How Birds Spread Disease?
- How does a shark hunt?
- How Do Airplanes Fly?
- The Greenhouse Effect
- How have oil spills affected the world and what necessary actions are being taken to ward them off?
- What is life like inside of a beehive?
- Why are tornados so powerful?
- A Person’s Genetic Makeup
- What are the risks associated to climate change and global warming?
- What is the most effective approach to get children to choose and consume healthy foods?
- How do various forms of rides in amusement parks work? Why do people find them so enjoyable and amazing?
- How does a hybrid car help save energy?
- What makes the platypus a very interesting and distinctive mammal?
- What are the harmful effects of prolonged use of steroids on the human body?
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Science Writing: A Tool for Learning Science and Developing Language
Science writing is a particular type of classroom writing that is integrated into inquiry-based investigations in order to further students’ understanding of science. It often takes the form of notebook entries, as well as classroom posters, charts and diagrams.
Investigation questions about shadows, grade three: Science writing can be informal in nature. Here students have written their questions about shadows on post-its and the teacher has collected them on a chart. This approach can be a quick, effective, low-pressure way to elicit students’ writing and share ideas across the class. (Click image to enlarge.)
Presentation poster about shadows, grade three: This poster was used by students’ to present their investigation findings to the class. It is an example of more formal writing, where the teacher may place an increased emphasis on grammar and spelling. (Click image to enlarge.)
“The student should record observations, thoughts, conclusions, questions, even whimsy that comes to mind, for discussion with others and later use. The record created in this way will serve the student well in organizing his or her thoughts. The notebook need not be beautiful, but a rule is that from it, after some length of time, the writer can reconstruct what was done, how it was done and what was found out. “
Jerome Pine, “The Science Notebook.” Unpublished Paper, 1996
Ladybug notebook page, grade three, intermediate ELL: This science notebook entry about a specific lesson in a ladybugs unit reveals how science writing can allow for ongoing dialog between a teacher and student. Notice how the teacher gives the student specific feedback about what they did well and asks for a response in an area that could be improved. (Click image to enlarge.)
Ladybug notebook page, grade three, early advanced ELL: This notebook entry was a final reflection at the end of a ladybug unit that included several opportunities to investigate, talk and write about ladybugs. Notice the teacher didn’t feel a need to ask the student for elaboration, but acknowledges a job well done. (Click image to enlarge.)
Science writing helps students analyze and clarify their thinking, synthesize their ideas, and communicate them with others. It accompanies and records the thinking that occurs when students are engaged in the science practices that take place during an investigation, such as asking questions, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and constructing explanations. It creates a record that can be returned to, responded to, and revised. Science writing can be shared with others, become part of the environmental print in the classroom (through posters, pictures, word walls, etc.), or provide a venue for written conversations between teacher and student. A piece of writing can be a repository for emerging ideas (a “silent partner” in an investigation) or result in a final product for sharing knowledge.
“writing in science is not only for communicating with others; it is also a tool for learning that supports scientists and students alike in clarifying thinking, synthesizing ideas, and coming to conclusions.”
Karen Worth et al., The Essentials of Science and Literacy , Heinemann, ©2009
Science writing supports the construction of new scientific understanding because it gives students the opportunity to articulate their thinking as they engage in the science practices during an investigation. The fact that the writing takes place in the context of hands-on science means that students can draw from direct experiences that are interesting, meaningful, and shared.
Language development is also supported by science writing. This mode of language use provides students with many opportunities to express and communicate their thinking. Science writing involves students in a metacognitive activity—they must consider the words they will use to communicate their thinking, reflecting and clarifying as they go. This process of reflection and clarification can lead students to develop their language as they refine their scientific thinking.
Earthworm notebook page, grade one, intermediate ELL: Even at a very young age, students can show their thinking in words or pictures. In this notebook page, a first grade student has used writing and drawing to communicate sophisticated ideas he has learned about earthworms. (Click image to enlarge.)
In addition to developing language by using it to exchange meaningful ideas, science writing also supports language development by creating artifacts that can be revisited at a later time to refine how one’s ideas are expressed. This is especially helpful for English language learners (ELLs). In revisiting a piece of writing, the written piece itself becomes a platform for further reading, talking, and writing. Science writing can also include drawing because it can be used to communicate students’ ideas and understanding. Many ELLs can draw their ideas before they can write them, making drawing an emergent form of writing.
Science writing can often be difficult, even for native English speakers. There are more skills that need to be in place for students to communicate in writing than they need to communicate orally. While it is not necessary for spelling, punctuation, or handwriting to be perfect for science writing to be effective, some degree of familiarity with these conventions is necessary in order for students to effectively capture their ideas in print.
There are also many language demands involved in writing (i.e., the language needed to express ones ideas and understand those of others) that need to be supported, especially for ELLs. A number of instructional practices and scaffolds can increase the likelihood that students can produce writing that will help them develop and effectively communicate their thinking.
Effective science writing is much more likely to occur when:
- Students have had interesting experiences and investigations to write about
- Teachers use prompts that clearly relate a writing task to a particular science phenomenon or experience
- Teachers model the kinds of thinking and writing they want to encourage their students to produce (for example, demonstrating a shared notebook entry in front of the class)
- Students are encouraged to use everyday language to express their ideas, and concentrate on communicating ideas clearly, even if spelling and grammar aren’t perfect
- Students have a chance to talk before they write (if students can say something, they will have an easier time writing it)
- Students are strategically paired or grouped to help each other write, and prepare to write, by talking
- Language-rich environmental print (posters, word banks, charts, pictures) is an abundant resource in the classroom
- Early writers are encouraged to express their thinking through pictures as well as words—drawing can be an effective practice to combine with writing
- Students are given constructive feedback on their writing that pushes them to expand and clarify their thinking
Snail notebook page, grade three, early intermediate ELL: Students can use writing to make meaning and communicate their ideas without focusing on correct grammar and spelling. While there are spelling mistakes in this notebook entry, it’s clear that this student has made detailed observations about his snail and is able to communicate them. (Click image to enlarge.)
Even with these conditions in place, it takes time for students to develop confidence and fluidity in their writing. Writing becomes an integral tool for science instruction once students have grown accustomed to using it in connection with their investigations, internalized a number of science-writing entry types, and gained experience referring back to their own writing to develop their thinking. As writing becomes a more regular feature of classroom culture, students grow less hesitant to write–especially when they recognize that they do not need perfect grammar and spelling in order to express and develop their thinking. A teacher can encourage this by responding to the science ideas in students’ writing rather than correcting spelling and grammatical errors.
Over time, students find a genuine use for the specific vocabulary associated with the phenomena they are exploring because of the clarity and precision it can lend to the expression of their ideas. This specific language may or may not have been a part of their everyday language. In certain cases, teachers will want students to produce more formal pieces of writing—such as final reports or poster presentations—where grammar and spelling are attended to. In these cases, student’s grammar and spelling will need explicit support from the teacher.
While science writing can improve students’ writing in general, its main benefit to language development is not in practicing writing in and of itself. Its primary role is to support learning and the communication of science ideas. This gives writing a meaningful context, and it is through this role that it can best support the development of language.
“in the classroom [science writing and science talk] are inextricably linked. Small- and whole-group discussions are often rehearsals for writing conclusions and reports, and quick-writes before a discussion can start ideas flowing. Discussion pushes students to clarify their ideas before they write their conclusions or write a more formal piece about their science experiences.”
There is a strong reciprocal relationship between science writing and science talk . Talking can be a precursor to writing, and writing can be a precursor to talking. For instance, students can have a science talk before writing so they can listen to others and rehearse their own language and ideas before committing them to print. This practice can be especially beneficial for ELLs whose speaking skills are often more developed than their writing skills. In turn, writing can help students collect their thoughts without inhibitions before speaking. And a piece of science writing, such as an entry in a science notebook or on a posted word bank, can be a resource for students to refer to during a science talk. The combination of science talk and science writing supports the learning of science ideas and, in the process, helps students develop the language to express these ideas.
The Institute for Inquiry’s “Educators Guide for Inquiry and English Language Development” includes annotated classroom videos that show two teachers using science writing in their classrooms, often in different ways.
In the Snail Investigation videos , notice how the teacher supports science writing by having students keep their science notebooks open and ready to record their thinking during their investigation. Additionally, students have dedicated time to record thinking afterwards and review their writing before science talks. Students’ notebooks also remain available to them for reference during science talks.
In the Magnet Investigation videos , notice how the teacher supports science writing by having students refer to their science notebooks for procedural information, such as recorded investigation plans. She also discusses and models writing-entry types, such as claims and evidence. Students have oral practice before writing, are organized into collaborative groups so they can support each other while writing, have a lot of environmental print in the classroom (posters and charts showing useful words and ideas), and enjoy a culture where they regularly share and comment on their writing with each other.
Additional resources for information on science writing can be found in the Institute for Inquiry Resource Library .
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A Database of Research Topics for Middle School Assignments
Schoolchildren, who attend middle school, often receive assignments to write research papers. Composing a research paper may be a tedious process, demanding from you an in-depth investigation of various books, articles, and other information sources. Suppose you are determined to write a paper worthy of an A. In that case, you’ll have to examine good examples of research topics for middle school and select the most suitable variant for you, which you can successfully cover.
What is interesting, students often think that choosing a research topic is the easiest task. Believe us, and it is not like that! Sometimes a wrong topic can lead you in the wrong direction. To save you from wasting your time and efforts in vain, below, we’ve prepared smart research topics for middle school students.
Various Examples of Research Topics for Middle School
- Characterize the period of Salem witches
- Write about the most useful invention of the XX century?
- Describe an outstanding person and his/ her achievements
- Causes of dinosaurs extinction?
- Drawbacks of lack of sleep for people.
- Influence of a good night’s sleep on brain activity?
- Best tips on how to organize your day effectively.
- Ways of preventing conflicts between family members?
- How to give up bad habits: 10 working methods.
- What are the negative effects of smoking on health?
Research Paper Topics for Middle School on Math
- Expand on a famous person who did much for the development of math.
- Describe a significant discovery of a well-known mathematician: What are its benefits?
- In what way math helps us in solving routine problems?
- Why is studying Math at school so important?
- Most effective methods for conducting research in Math.
Middle School Research Topics on Science
- Periods of Human Evolution.
- Difference between people and animals?
- Which school science turns out to be the most useful for daily life?
- Effective ways of killing microbes at home?
- Interconnection between science development and economics?
Research Topics for Middle School on History
- Describe the most dominant figure in your country throughout history.
- The person you want to align yourself with?
- Expand on the wars where Alexander the Great took part.
- Reasons for people to choose battles over a conversation?
- Write about a historical battle, which was in vain?
Research Paper Topics on War
- Write about the purposes of the Civil War?
- Describe in chronological order all events which happened during the war.
- Analyze a famous battle and investigate its motives
- Characterize people who made a contribution to the victory
- Alternative causes of WW2
Other Research Topics for Middle School
- How do parents affect the individual’s development?
- Does graduation from a university make you well-educated?
- Main prerequisites of cruel people’s behavior.
- Effective methods to improve memory?
- How our everyday actions affect the environment.
- Reasons for people to aim for starting a family.
- Buying clothes online: Pros and Cons.
- How to protect your personal data during online purchases?
- How to reduce the unemployment rate?
- Working methods to motivate kids to protect the environment.
Amusing Research Topics for Middle School
- Why do cats chase mice?
- What would people do without their mobile phones?
- What are the reasons for some people to like the smell of petrol or paints?
- Effective methods to make a good memory out of a bad one.
- Why do a husband and a wife look similar after some years of marriage?
- Should children be punished for bad marks?
- How to convince your parents to buy you a gift?
- Why do animals like sweets, but are not allowed to eat them?
- Why most cats and dogs don’t like each other?
- Is there a magic pill to cure one of laziness?
Influential Research Topics for Middle School
- What inventions are the most essential in modern life?
- How to live in harmony with your loved ones?
- How to save money and sleep tight?
- Books to read for self-development.
- How to protect yourself from smartphone addiction?
- Describe a movie with a city starring.
- How to be always in a good mood?
- Do rich people save on something?
- What will happen to our planet in 50 years?
- How to help poor people from undeveloped countries with education?
Unusual Research Paper Topics for Middle School
- How to persuade your parents that you are grown-up enough to make your own decisions?
- What are the consequences of drinking a lot of coffee?
- What new laws can help reduce crimes?
- How to inspire people to read books?
- In what way does a community influence a child?
- Who should look after kids if both parents need to work?
- How to be independent in a marriage?
- Suitable jobs for students, which bring much money.
- What to do if you feel like falling ill: Working tips.
- Most unusual explanations for being late for school.
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80+ Science Research Paper Topics Ideas For Students
Essay writing is an integral part of education at any level, middle school, high school, or college. Some of the most common essays are on science research topics, and they are also quite interesting. However, choosing research paper topics isn’t as straightforward as you’d like. You’ll need to carry out a survey on and draw inspiration from several scientific research topics before finally choosing one. Choosing science topics, especially if they are argumentative essay topics , to write about can be a frustrating task, especially when science is a pretty wide subject. If you need inspiration on interesting science topics, we’ll give you some science research paper ideas. But, first, let’s talk about how to choose the best science research paper topics – it makes things easier.
What Are Some Science Topics You Can Write About?
Interesting science research topics, ideas of science research topics for high school students, science research topics for college students, science research topics for middle school, scientific research question examples, science presentation ideas, cool science topics to research, ideas of scientific topics for research on nanotechnology, fascinating ideas for science research projects, interesting science topics for high school research papers, tips for choosing science research topics.
Being a very broad subject, students often find choosing a science topic for a research paper difficult. However, the secret is knowing what scientific research questions will make for a good paper, and what people will want to read. So, when choosing science topics for papers, here are tips you can follow to make the task easier.
- Choose cool science topics you’re interested in and that’ll interest your readers.
- Search online for research question examples science for ideas on what your paper should be about.
- Avoid choosing too-broad research topics for high school, to ensure your work is well detailed.
- Consider contemporary scientific research questions concerning recent happenings; they can be fun to write
- Read your notes and online academic papers for inspiration on good science research paper topics.
- Choose simple but highly informative research topics for high school students.
- Choose good science topics you have some knowledge of and can confidently talk about.
- Learn how to choose science topics for high school to make things easier.
- Be familiar with the dos and don’ts of choosing scientific research paper topics.
- Choose a scientific topic for research papers that has enough accessible information.
The Dos and Don’ts of Choosing Science Topics
Knowing the dos and don’ts of choosing a science title helps you select a good topic and ultimately write an outstanding paper. So, when searching for science topics for presentations,
- Do understand that there are different topics in science you can research on;
- Do read extensively for science research paper ideas; it helps you know what to write about;
- Don’t include words like “Research of” or “Study of” in your chosen science topics to research;
- Don’t choose high school science research paper topics with scanty or inaccessible information available;
- Do check online for interesting science research ideas on how to write your paper;
- Feel free to ask your instructor, colleagues, or seniors for scientific research ideas.
When searching for interesting science topics or social media research topics related to science to writing on, you will find different ones on different subjects, which can be confusing. You can follow the tips we listed for choosing science-related topics for a research paper. Meanwhile, here are some science paper topics you can use if none is forthcoming.
- Is there a move for the Covid-19 vaccine?
- What “flattening the curve” means
- Molecular evidence of humans interbreeding with Neanderthals
- Impact of cardio exercise on heart health
- The importance of exploring the solar system
- Can a comet strike the earth?
- The Hubble Space Telescope
- Top ten chemistry careers
- Acid rain effect aquatic plants’ growth
- Room color and human behavior
- How can plants grow in pots?
- Water’s surface tension weight capacity
- What does the paleo diet mean?
- Is Pluto still a planet?
- The future of commercial space flight
- Do you inherit fingerprint patterns?
- Ways in which handwashing prevents the spread of the Covid-19 virus
- Molecular biological research on rare genetic disorders impact on understanding cancer
- Do men pass on genetic abnormalities to their posterity as they age?
- How can men’s exercise affect the traits they pass on to their children?
- Is there really life on Mars; has there ever been?
- Ways of solving the problem of junk space
- The importance of Dark Matter
- Black holes
- Different ways to keep ice from defrosting
- Are pet hairs harmful to the human body?
- Some of the germs you’ve seen in your school
- The effect of music on your assimilation ability
- The types of food dogs prefer the best
- Good hygienic practices for keeping clean
- Foods that develop molds the fastest
- How different body parts aid the effective functioning of the system
- Do worms in the soil really affect plant growth and how?
- Can light brightness make plants grow well?
- What kinds of fertilizers work best, chemical or natural?
- Can mice (or any animal of your choice) learn?
- How can age affect the human reaction?
- Why does water boil faster when put in salt?
- Can food affect the heart, how?
- Can background noise interfere with learning and assimilation?
- Can Higgs Boson destroy the universe?
- Effects of sunspots on man
- Should humans live in space?
- The most important technological innovations in medicinal chemistry in recent years
- The danger of chemicals emitted from pharmaceutical companies
- The importance of big data and bioinformatics to chemical research
- The sugar chemistry behind making candy
- Biomacromolecules
- Trends in India’s medicinal chemistry research
- Nuclear fusion
- Reproduction in mammals
- How do fish mate?
- How useful are science museums in teaching science?
- Why do birds have beautiful feathers?
- The safety of offshore drilling
- The importance of climate change legislation
- Hydraulic fracking’s negative effects
- Uses of microelectronics
- Nanotechnology in medicine
- Nanotechnology for cancer treatment
- Can nanofibers repair brain injuries?
- Effect of nanomedicine on human lifespan
- Nanomaterial
- How nanotechnology helps in patient diagnosis
- How to reduce antibiotic use in agriculture
- The ethics of stem cell research
- The best leukemia treatment
- Gene therapy
- Causes of skin cancer
- Colonoscopy testing on colon cancer
- Why eliminating malaria is difficult
- The possibility of predicting the next pandemic
- Do childhood vaccines prevent diseases?
- How cells shield the body against diseases
- Should wild animals interact with humans?
- Are self-driving cars good?
- Regulating sugar use
- Different types of headaches
- Can migraine cause death?
- The ideal weight for living long
Feel free to choose from this scientific research topics list for your science research paper. There are many things to research where science is concerned, including stem research topics , among others. There is no shortage of scientific topics to research and choosing the best one gets easy when you know how to. If you’ve chosen a topic and you need help writing on them, you can contact our professional writing service. We have a team of experts who can write on any science topic and ensure you meet your deadline.
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How to Help Middle School Students Develop Research Skills
As the research skills you teach middle school students can last them all their lives, it’s essential to help them develop good habits early in their school careers.
Research skills are useful in nearly every subject, whether it’s English, math, social studies or science, and they will continue to pay off for students every day of their schooling. Understanding the most important research skills that middle school students need will help reach these kids and make a long-term difference.
The research process
It is important for every student to understand that research is actually a process rather than something that happens naturally. The best researchers develop a process that allows them to fully comprehend the ideas they are researching and also turn the data into information that is usable for whatever the end purpose may be. Here is an example of a research process that you may consider using when teaching research skills in your middle school classroom:
- Form a question : Research should be targeted; develop a question you want to answer before progressing any further.
- Decide on resources : Not every resource is good for every question/problem. Identify the resources that will work best for you.
- Gather raw data : First, gather information in its rawest form; do not attempt to make sense of it at this point.
- Sort the data : After you have the information in front of you, decide what is important to you and how you will use it. Not all data will be reliable or worthwhile.
- Process information : Turn the data into usable information. This processing step may take longer than the rest combined. This is where you really see your data shape into something exciting.
- Create a final piece : This is where you would write a research paper, create a project or build a graph or other visual piece with your information. This may or may not be a formal document.
- Evaluate : Look back on the process. Where did you experience success and failure? Did you find an answer to your question?
This process can be adjusted to suit the needs of your particular classroom or the project you are working on. Just remember that the goal is not only to find the data for this particular project, but to teach your students research skills that will help them in the long run.
Research is a very important part of the learning process as well as being useful in real-life once the student graduates. Middle school is a great time to develop these skills as many high school teachers expect that students already have this knowledge.
Students who are well-prepared as researchers will be able to handle nearly any assignment that comes their way. Finding new ways to teach research skills to middle school students need will be a challenge, but the results are well worth it as you see your students succeed in your classroom and set the stage for further success throughout their schooling experience.
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A Guide to Writing a Scientific Paper: A Focus on High School Through Graduate Level Student Research
Renee a. hesselbach.
1 NIEHS Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
David H. Petering
2 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Craig A. Berg
3 Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Henry Tomasiewicz
Daniel weber.
This article presents a detailed guide for high school through graduate level instructors that leads students to write effective and well-organized scientific papers. Interesting research emerges from the ability to ask questions, define problems, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, and make critical connections. This process is incomplete, unless new results are communicated to others because science fundamentally requires peer review and criticism to validate or discard proposed new knowledge. Thus, a concise and clearly written research paper is a critical step in the scientific process and is important for young researchers as they are mastering how to express scientific concepts and understanding. Moreover, learning to write a research paper provides a tool to improve science literacy as indicated in the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards (1996), and A Framework for K–12 Science Education (2011), the underlying foundation for the Next Generation Science Standards currently being developed. Background information explains the importance of peer review and communicating results, along with details of each critical component, the Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results , and Discussion . Specific steps essential to helping students write clear and coherent research papers that follow a logical format, use effective communication, and develop scientific inquiry are described.
Introduction
A key part of the scientific process is communication of original results to others so that one's discoveries are passed along to the scientific community and the public for awareness and scrutiny. 1 – 3 Communication to other scientists ensures that new findings become part of a growing body of publicly available knowledge that informs how we understand the world around us. 2 It is also what fuels further research as other scientists incorporate novel findings into their thinking and experiments.
Depending upon the researcher's position, intent, and needs, communication can take different forms. The gold standard is writing scientific papers that describe original research in such a way that other scientists will be able to repeat it or to use it as a basis for their studies. 1 For some, it is expected that such articles will be published in scientific journals after they have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. Scientists must submit their articles for examination by other scientists familiar with the area of research, who decide whether the work was conducted properly and whether the results add to the knowledge base and are conveyed well enough to merit publication. 2 If a manuscript passes the scrutiny of peer-review, it has the potential to be published. 1 For others, such as for high school or undergraduate students, publishing a research paper may not be the ultimate goal. However, regardless of whether an article is to be submitted for publication, peer review is an important step in this process. For student researchers, writing a well-organized research paper is a key step in learning how to express understanding, make critical connections, summarize data, and effectively communicate results, which are important goals for improving science literacy of the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards, 4 and A Framework for K–12 Science Education, 5 and the Next Generation Science Standards 6 currently being developed and described in The NSTA Reader's Guide to A Framework for K–12 Science Education. 7 Table 1 depicts the key skills students should develop as part of the Science as Inquiry Content Standard. Table 2 illustrates the central goals of A Framework for K–12 Science Education Scientific and Engineering Practices Dimension.
Key Skills of the Science as Inquiry National Science Education Content Standard
National Research Council (1996).
Important Practices of A Framework for K–12 Science Education Scientific and Engineering Practices Dimension
National Research Council (2011).
Scientific papers based on experimentation typically include five predominant sections: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion . This structure is a widely accepted approach to writing a research paper, and has specific sections that parallel the scientific method. Following this structure allows the scientist to tell a clear, coherent story in a logical format, essential to effective communication. 1 , 2 In addition, using a standardized format allows the reader to find specific information quickly and easily. While readers may not have time to read the entire research paper, the predictable format allows them to focus on specific sections such as the Abstract , Introduction , and Discussion sections. Therefore, it is critical that information be placed in the appropriate and logical section of the report. 3
Guidelines for Writing a Primary Research Article
The Title sends an important message to the reader about the purpose of the paper. For example, Ethanol Effects on the Developing Zebrafish: Neurobehavior and Skeletal Morphogenesis 8 tells the reader key information about the content of the research paper. Also, an appropriate and descriptive title captures the attention of the reader. When composing the Title , students should include either the aim or conclusion of the research, the subject, and possibly the independent or dependent variables. Often, the title is created after the body of the article has been written, so that it accurately reflects the purpose and content of the article. 1 , 3
The Abstract provides a short, concise summary of the research described in the body of the article and should be able to stand alone. It provides readers with a quick overview that helps them decide whether the article may be interesting to read. Included in the Abstract are the purpose or primary objectives of the experiment and why they are important, a brief description of the methods and approach used, key findings and the significance of the results, and how this work is different from the work of others. It is important to note that the Abstract briefly explains the implications of the findings, but does not evaluate the conclusions. 1 , 3 Just as with the Title , this section needs to be written carefully and succinctly. Often this section is written last to ensure it accurately reflects the content of the paper. Generally, the optimal length of the Abstract is one paragraph between 200 and 300 words, and does not contain references or abbreviations.
All new research can be categorized by field (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, geology) and by area within the field (e.g., biology: evolution, ecology, cell biology, anatomy, environmental health). Many areas already contain a large volume of published research. The role of the Introduction is to place the new research within the context of previous studies in the particular field and area, thereby introducing the audience to the research and motivating the audience to continue reading. 1
Usually, the writer begins by describing what is known in the area that directly relates to the subject of the article's research. Clearly, this must be done judiciously; usually there is not room to describe every bit of information that is known. Each statement needs one or more references from the scientific literature that supports its validity. Students must be reminded to cite all references to eliminate the risk of plagiarism. 2 Out of this context, the author then explains what is not known and, therefore, what the article's research seeks to find out. In doing so, the scientist provides the rationale for the research and further develops why this research is important. The final statement in the Introduction should be a clearly worded hypothesis or thesis statement, as well as a brief summary of the findings as they relate to the stated hypothesis. Keep in mind that the details of the experimental findings are presented in the Results section and are aimed at filling the void in our knowledge base that has been pointed out in the Introduction .
Materials and Methods
Research utilizes various accepted methods to obtain the results that are to be shared with others in the scientific community. The quality of the results, therefore, depends completely upon the quality of the methods that are employed and the care with which they are applied. The reader will refer to the Methods section: (a) to become confident that the experiments have been properly done, (b) as the guide for repeating the experiments, and (c) to learn how to do new methods.
It is particularly important to keep in mind item (b). Since science deals with the objective properties of the physical and biological world, it is a basic axiom that these properties are independent of the scientist who reported them. Everyone should be able to measure or observe the same properties within error, if they do the same experiment using the same materials and procedures. In science, one does the same experiment by exactly repeating the experiment that has been described in the Methods section. Therefore, someone can only repeat an experiment accurately if all the relevant details of the experimental methods are clearly described. 1 , 3
The following information is important to include under illustrative headings, and is generally presented in narrative form. A detailed list of all the materials used in the experiments and, if important, their source should be described. These include biological agents (e.g., zebrafish, brine shrimp), chemicals and their concentrations (e.g., 0.20 mg/mL nicotine), and physical equipment (e.g., four 10-gallon aquariums, one light timer, one 10-well falcon dish). The reader needs to know as much as necessary about each of the materials; however, it is important not to include extraneous information. For example, consider an experiment involving zebrafish. The type and characteristics of the zebrafish used must be clearly described so another scientist could accurately replicate the experiment, such as 4–6-month-old male and female zebrafish, the type of zebrafish used (e.g., Golden), and where they were obtained (e.g., the NIEHS Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center in the WATER Institute of the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee). In addition to describing the physical set-up of the experiment, it may be helpful to include photographs or diagrams in the report to further illustrate the experimental design.
A thorough description of each procedure done in the reported experiment, and justification as to why a particular method was chosen to most effectively answer the research question should also be included. For example, if the scientist was using zebrafish to study developmental effects of nicotine, the reader needs to know details about how and when the zebrafish were exposed to the nicotine (e.g., maternal exposure, embryo injection of nicotine, exposure of developing embryo to nicotine in the water for a particular length of time during development), duration of the exposure (e.g., a certain concentration for 10 minutes at the two-cell stage, then the embryos were washed), how many were exposed, and why that method was chosen. The reader would also need to know the concentrations to which the zebrafish were exposed, how the scientist observed the effects of the chemical exposure (e.g., microscopic changes in structure, changes in swimming behavior), relevant safety and toxicity concerns, how outcomes were measured, and how the scientist determined whether the data/results were significantly different in experimental and unexposed control animals (statistical methods).
Students must take great care and effort to write a good Methods section because it is an essential component of the effective communication of scientific findings.
The Results section describes in detail the actual experiments that were undertaken in a clear and well-organized narrative. The information found in the Methods section serves as background for understanding these descriptions and does not need to be repeated. For each different experiment, the author may wish to provide a subtitle and, in addition, one or more introductory sentences that explains the reason for doing the experiment. In a sense, this information is an extension of the Introduction in that it makes the argument to the reader why it is important to do the experiment. The Introduction is more general; this text is more specific.
Once the reader understands the focus of the experiment, the writer should restate the hypothesis to be tested or the information sought in the experiment. For example, “Atrazine is routinely used as a crop pesticide. It is important to understand whether it affects organisms that are normally found in soil. We decided to use worms as a test organism because they are important members of the soil community. Because atrazine damages nerve cells, we hypothesized that exposure to atrazine will inhibit the ability of worms to do locomotor activities. In the first experiment, we tested the effect of the chemical on burrowing action.”
Then, the experiments to be done are described and the results entered. In reporting on experimental design, it is important to identify the dependent and independent variables clearly, as well as the controls. The results must be shown in a way that can be reproduced by the reader, but do not include more details than needed for an effective analysis. Generally, meaningful and significant data are gathered together into tables and figures that summarize relevant information, and appropriate statistical analyses are completed based on the data gathered. Besides presenting each of these data sources, the author also provides a written narrative of the contents of the figures and tables, as well as an analysis of the statistical significance. In the narrative, the writer also connects the results to the aims of the experiment as described above. Did the results support the initial hypothesis? Do they provide the information that was sought? Were there problems in the experiment that compromised the results? Be careful not to include an interpretation of the results; that is reserved for the Discussion section.
The writer then moves on to the next experiment. Again, the first paragraph is developed as above, except this experiment is seen in the context of the first experiment. In other words, a story is being developed. So, one commonly refers to the results of the first experiment as part of the basis for undertaking the second experiment. “In the first experiment we observed that atrazine altered burrowing activity. In order to understand how that might occur, we decided to study its impact on the basic biology of locomotion. Our hypothesis was that atrazine affected neuromuscular junctions. So, we did the following experiment..”
The Results section includes a focused critical analysis of each experiment undertaken. A hallmark of the scientist is a deep skepticism about results and conclusions. “Convince me! And then convince me again with even better experiments.” That is the constant challenge. Without this basic attitude of doubt and willingness to criticize one's own work, scientists do not get to the level of concern about experimental methods and results that is needed to ensure that the best experiments are being done and the most reproducible results are being acquired. Thus, it is important for students to state any limitations or weaknesses in their research approach and explain assumptions made upfront in this section so the validity of the research can be assessed.
The Discussion section is the where the author takes an overall view of the work presented in the article. First, the main results from the various experiments are gathered in one place to highlight the significant results so the reader can see how they fit together and successfully test the original hypotheses of the experiment. Logical connections and trends in the data are presented, as are discussions of error and other possible explanations for the findings, including an analysis of whether the experimental design was adequate. Remember, results should not be restated in the Discussion section, except insofar as it is absolutely necessary to make a point.
Second, the task is to help the reader link the present work with the larger body of knowledge that was portrayed in the Introduction . How do the results advance the field, and what are the implications? What does the research results mean? What is the relevance? 1 , 3
Lastly, the author may suggest further work that needs to be done based on the new knowledge gained from the research.
Supporting Documentation and Writing Skills
Tables and figures are included to support the content of the research paper. These provide the reader with a graphic display of information presented. Tables and figures must have illustrative and descriptive titles, legends, interval markers, and axis labels, as appropriate; should be numbered in the order that they appear in the report; and include explanations of any unusual abbreviations.
The final section of the scientific article is the Reference section. When citing sources, it is important to follow an accepted standardized format, such as CSE (Council of Science Editors), APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), or CMS (Chicago Manual of Style). References should be listed in alphabetical order and original authors cited. All sources cited in the text must be included in the Reference section. 1
When writing a scientific paper, the importance of writing concisely and accurately to clearly communicate the message should be emphasized to students. 1 – 3 Students should avoid slang and repetition, as well as abbreviations that may not be well known. 1 If an abbreviation must be used, identify the word with the abbreviation in parentheses the first time the term is used. Using appropriate and correct grammar and spelling throughout are essential elements of a well-written report. 1 , 3 Finally, when the article has been organized and formatted properly, students are encouraged to peer review to obtain constructive criticism and then to revise the manuscript appropriately. Good scientific writing, like any kind of writing, is a process that requires careful editing and revision. 1
A key dimension of NRC's A Framework for K–12 Science Education , Scientific and Engineering Practices, and the developing Next Generation Science Standards emphasizes the importance of students being able to ask questions, define problems, design experiments, analyze and interpret data, draw conclusions, and communicate results. 5 , 6 In the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, we found the guidelines presented in this article useful for high school science students because this group of students (and probably most undergraduates) often lack in understanding of, and skills to develop and write, the various components of an effective scientific paper. Students routinely need to focus more on the data collected and analyze what the results indicated in relation to the research question/hypothesis, as well as develop a detailed discussion of what they learned. Consequently, teaching students how to effectively organize and write a research report is a critical component when engaging students in scientific inquiry.
Acknowledgments
This article was supported by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) grant (Award Number R25RR026299) from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. The SEPA program at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee is part of the Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, Community Outreach and Education Core, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Award Number P30ES004184). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Disclosure Statement
No competing financial interests exist.
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10 Simple Steps to Writing a Scientific Paper
At any given time, Andrea Armani ’s lab at the University of Southern California has up to 15 PhD students, a couple of postdocs, nine undergrads, and an occasional high school student, all busy developing new materials for diagnostic and telecommunications devices.
When conducting scientific research, Armani believes it’s important to test a hypothesis—not prove it. She recruits students who are willing to adopt that “testing” mentality, and are excited to explore the unknown. “I want them to push themselves a little bit, push the field a little bit, and not be afraid to fail,” she says. “And, know that even if they fail, they can still learn something from it.”
Armani often coaches students through the process of writing their first scientific paper. Her 10-step formula for writing a scientific paper could be useful to anyone who has concluded a study and feels the dread of the blank page looming.
1. Write a Vision Statement
What is the key message of your paper? Be able to articulate it in one sentence, because it's a sentence you'll come back to a few times throughout the paper. Think of your paper as a press release: what would the subhead be? If you can't articulate the key discovery or accomplishment in a single sentence, then you're not ready to write a paper.
The vision statement should guide your next important decision: where are you submitting? Every journal has a different style and ordering of sections. Making this decision before you write a single word will save you a lot of time later on. Once you choose a journal, check the website for requirements with regards to formatting, length limits, and figures.
2. Don't Start at the Beginning
Logically, it makes sense to start a paper with the abstract, or, at least, the introduction. Don't. You often end up telling a completely different story than the one you thought you were going to tell. If you start with the introduction, by the time everything else is written, you will likely have to rewrite both sections.
3. Storyboard the Figures
Figures are the best place to start, because they form the backbone of your paper. Unlike you, the reader hasn't been living this research for a year or more. So, the first figure should inspire them to want to learn about your discovery.
A classic organizational approach used by writers is "storyboarding" where all figures are laid out on boards. This can be done using software like PowerPoint, Prezi, or Keynote. One approach is to put the vision statement on the first slide, and all of your results on subsequent slides. To start, simply include all data, without concern for order or importance. Subsequent passes can evaluate consolidation of data sets (e.g., forming panel figures) and relative importance (e.g., main text vs. supplement). The figures should be arranged in a logical order to support your hypothesis statement. Notably, this order may or may not be the order in which you took the data. If you're missing data, it should become obvious at this point.
4. Write the Methods Section
Of all the sections, the methods section is simultaneously the easiest and the most important section to write accurately. Any results in your paper should be replicable based on the methods section, so if you've developed an entirely new experimental method, write it out in excruciating detail, including setup, controls, and protocols, also manufacturers and part numbers, if appropriate. If you're building on a previous study, there's no need to repeat all of those details; that's what references are for.
One common mistake when writing a methods section is the inclusion of results. The methods section is simply a record of what you did.
The methods section is one example of where knowing the journal is important. Some journals integrate the methods section in between the introduction and the results; other journals place the methods section at the end of the article. Depending on the location of the methods section, the contents of the results and discussion section may vary slightly.
5. Write the Results and Discussion Section
In a few journals, results and discussion are separate sections. However, the trend is to merge these two sections. This section should form the bulk of your paper-by storyboarding your figures, you already have an outline!
A good place to start is to write a few paragraphs about each figure, explaining: 1. the result (this should be void of interpretation), 2. the relevance of the result to your hypothesis statement (interpretation is beginning to appear), and 3. the relevance to the field (this is completely your opinion). Whenever possible, you should be quantitative and specific, especially when comparing to prior work. Additionally, any experimental errors should be calculated and error bars should be included on experimental results along with replicate analysis.
You can use this section to help readers understand how your research fits in the context of other ongoing work and explain how your study adds to the body of knowledge. This section should smoothly transition into the conclusion.
6. Write the Conclusion
In the conclusion, summarize everything you have already written. Emphasize the most important findings from your study and restate why they matter. State what you learned and end with the most important thing you want the reader to take away from the paper-again, your vision statement. From the conclusion, a reader should be able to understand the gist of your whole study, including your results and their significance.
7. Now Write the Introduction
The introduction sets the stage for your article. If it was a fictional story, the introduction would be the exposition, where the characters, setting, time period, and main conflict are introduced.
Scientific papers follow a similar formula. The introduction gives a view of your research from 30,000 feet: it defines the problem in the context of a larger field; it reviews what other research groups have done to move forward on the problem (the literature review); and it lays out your hypothesis, which may include your expectations about what the study will contribute to the body of knowledge. The majority of your references will be located in the introduction.
8. Assemble References
The first thing that any new writer should do is pick a good electronic reference manager. There are many free ones available, but often research groups (or PIs) have a favorite one. Editing will be easier if everyone is using the same manager.
References serve multiple roles in a manuscript:
1) To enable a reader to get more detailed information on a topic that has been previously published. For example: "The device was fabricated using a standard method." You need to reference that method. One common mistake is to reference a paper that doesn't contain the protocol, resulting in readers being sent down a virtual rabbit hole in search of the protocol.
2) To support statements that are not common knowledge or may be contentious. For example: "Previous work has shown that vanilla is better than chocolate." You need a reference here. Frequently, there are several papers that could be used, and it is up to you to choose.
3) To recognize others working in the field, such as those who came before you and laid the groundwork for your work as well as more recent discoveries. The selection of these papers is where you need to be particularly conscientious. Don't get in the habit of citing the same couple of papers from the same couple of groups. New papers are published every day-literally. You need to make sure that your references include both foundational papers as well as recent works.
9. Write the Abstract
The abstract is the elevator pitch for your article. Most abstracts are 150–300 words, which translates to approximately 10–20 sentences. Like any good pitch, it should describe the importance of the field, the challenge that your research addresses, how your research solves the challenge, and its potential future impact. It should include any key quantitative metrics. It is important to remember that abstracts are included in search engine results.
10. The Title Comes Last
The title should capture the essence of the paper. If someone was interested in your topic, what phrase or keywords would they type into a search engine? Make sure those words are included in your title.
Andrea Martin Armani is an SPIE Fellow and the Ray Irani Chair in Engineering and Materials Science and Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
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The research paper is simply the "write-up" of that research. Special Information to Include in Your Research Paper Many science experiments can be explained using mathematics. As you write your research paper, you'll want to make sure that you include as much relevant math as you understand.
2. Pass out copies of the Research Paper Scaffold. Explain to students that the procedures involved in writing a research paper follow in order, and each section of the scaffold builds upon the previous one. Briefly describe how each section will be completed during subsequent sessions. 3.
Task Definition: Refine the Research Topic Middle School A good topic for research should be challenging yet not overwhelming. Topics for middle school students are usually chosen from a teacher generated list and are based on the subject curriculum, textbooks, or library resources. Another important consideration is availability of
4. If you write a direct quote, you need to write Direct quote in the small "make notes" column of your Cornell style notes. 5. Take your notes as ONE idea or fact at a time. Don't write paragraphs of notes, rather write individual sentences. 6. Don't write on the back of the page. If you run out of space, begin a new page. 7.
The typical outline of a research paper is broken up into sections and paragraphs, listing each paragraph's topic and the related evidence or data to include therein. The depth of detail can change depending on your writing style or the requirements of the paper, as we explain below. Are there different kinds of research paper outlines?
After you have your topic, you should follow these rules for writing the research paper: The first is writing a thesis statement. The thesis explains what your paper is about and what problem you are trying to answer. You want the thesis statement to be the last sentence of your introduction.
Middle school students are in the unique position of transitioning from writing simple, elementary-level pieces to fully developed essays. That said, the research paper is the most...
Create a rough paper where you jot down information from your research that will be useful in your essay. Feel free to write freely, as this will be your first draft, and you have the chance to edit it as you go. Edit Your Work: Editing is essential. It helps give your paper structure.
How to write a research paper for middle school in 7 simple steps Choose a good topic You may be assigned a topic and you may to choose your own. Therefore, select a good topic that you are curious about but avoid subjects that you already have a lot of knowledge about Brainstorm, refine your topic and develop a thesis
One of the first steps for writing a research paper is to find a topic you would like to write about. A good science research topic for middle school asks a question about the topic...
The research and writing process at Sunapee Middle High School is guided by the following steps. 1. KNOW THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCH PAPER The sample middle school research paper and the sample high school paper can be used to learn about the basic characteristics of a research paper. Research Paper Characteristics 2.
One of the first steps for writing a research paper is to find a topic you would like to write about. A good science research topic for middle school asks a question about the topic and offers plenty of information a student can use to answer that question. Explore this article 1 How Do Airplanes Fly?
A Collection Of Middle School Science Research Paper Topics Writing Ideas Choosing a topic on education Computer science titles Development economics papers Writing a project in theology Writing services Experienced paper writing service will complete your college term paper. Writing guides College paper writing are easy if you read online guides.
Science writing is a particular type of classroom writing that is integrated into inquiry-based investigations in order to further students' understanding of science. It often takes the form of notebook entries, as well as classroom posters, charts and diagrams. Investigation questions about shadows, grade three: Science writing can be ...
Schoolchildren, who attend middle school, often receive assignments to write research papers. Composing a research paper may be a tedious process, demanding from you an in-depth investigation of various books, articles, and other information sources. Suppose you are determined to write a paper worthy of an A.
Choose a scientific topic for research papers that has enough accessible information. The Dos and Don'ts of Choosing Science Topics Knowing the dos and don'ts of choosing a science title helps you select a good topic and ultimately write an outstanding paper. So, when searching for science topics for presentations,
As soon as you find a source you deem credible, copy down all the information available about it. The title of the source, its publisher, its author, the credentials of the publisher and author ...
Middle School Research Papers Samples That Help You Write Better, Faster & with Gusto. Crafting Research Papers is quite an arduous task on its own. Crafting outstanding Research Papers is an even more onerous exercise. Crafting an impressive Middle School Research Paper is, well, something supernatural. Yet, with the WePapers.com free catalog ...
Research a City- A Fun and Engaging Middle School Research Project. by. Oh So Simple ELA. 4.9. (10) $3.00. PDF. Google Apps™. This resource is designed to help middle school students practice their research skills in a fun and engaging way!In this activity, students become a digital tour guide for a city.
Here is an example of a research process that you may consider using when teaching research skills in your middle school classroom: Form a question: Research should be targeted; develop a question you want to answer before progressing any further. Decide on resources: Not every resource is good for every question/problem.
Conducting research is an essential skill to learn in school. This week I am going to help you learn the importance of research and 6 easy steps to write a r...
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This study explores one teacher's instructional method for teaching life sciences using argumentation and argumentative writing rather than simple templates for writing claims and evidence. The microethnographic discourse analytic case study reported here included the teacher and 26 "advanced" eighth-grade students in a suburban middle school.
6. Write the Conclusion. In the conclusion, summarize everything you have already written. Emphasize the most important findings from your study and restate why they matter. State what you learned and end with the most important thing you want the reader to take away from the paper-again, your vision statement.