Brilliant and Descriptive Title That Communicates the Purpose of Your Experiment

Brilliant and Descriptive Title that Communicates the Purpose of Your Experiment

Authors listed alphabetically (Last, F.). All authors should be listed. Might take a few lines.

Abstract: One paragraph summary that describes what you were investigating in the experiment. Focus on the independent variable that you were manipulating and on the dependent variable that you measured. You can mention how you measured it, but do not get into a discussion of methods (save it for materials and methods section). Briefly summarize the major findings/conclusions of your lab. Keep this section in BOLD.

Introduction: Provide background information on your topic of research. Discuss relevant background information that was known prior to your research. Use a “funnel” approach: start with the most general background and work your way to the more specific background information. Make sure to clearly state the purpose/intent of your experiment at the end of your introduction. Use multiple paragraphs to organize your writing.
Materials and Methods: Use the past-tense passive voice. Describe what was done to complete the lab. Do not list the materials separately. Your description should be thorough enough that the materials can be understood by reading the description. This section should be in paragraph form. Use multiple paragraphs to organize your writing.
Results: Present your data in a visually-appealing way. Make sure it helps to illustrate the trends that you will be discussing in your analysis/conclusion. Figures should have a figure number and a brief (1 sentence) caption to accompany them. /

Analysis: Explain any mathematical manipulation that you performed on the raw data. Discuss the trends and critical realizations that you, the experimenter, want the reader to notice. Use multiple paragraphs to organize your writing. To analyze something means to break it down logically. Logically break down what your experiment means.
Conclusion: State the conclusion of your lab (make sure it ties directly to the purpose). Discuss your major justification for your data (without rehashing your analysis). Discuss any sources of experimental error within your experimental design. Discuss any future research you think should be performed, or avenues for future investigation. Use multiple paragraphs to organize your writing.

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