Writing a Scientific Paper Web-quest

Name: ______

Period: ______

Date: ______

Procedure:

Log in to your computer and go to the high school web page. Under faculty pages go to Mr. Larson. On Mr. Larson’s page, click on the science research link. Then, click the “writing a Scientific Paper Activity” link.

Using the hyperlinks on this paper, navigate the website to answer specific question on scientific writing. Direct questions can be answered specifically from the website. Follow up questions, however, must be your own answer. This is an independent activity.

Part 1: Introduction

  1. What is the difference between scientific writing and science writing?
  1. Why do you think that the audience for any scientific paper should be highly specialized?
  1. Why do you think that scientists typically wait until their papers are finished, before titling the paper?

Part 2 : Title

  1. What does the statement “it should be a pithy summary of the article's main focus” mean to you?
  1. The title of your paper should be limited, why?

Part 3: Abstract

  1. Put the definition of an abstract into your own words. What is the purpose of an abstract?
  1. Of the three abstract examples given, which one is the most well-constructed and which is the most poorly constructed? Read all three and give specific examples for each.

Part 4: Introduction

  1. What does “It may help to think of an introduction as a telescoping focus” mean?
  1. Analyze the four steps described in writing the introduction. Explain why each step is so critical in constructing an introduction to your paper. Be detailed.

Part 5: Methods and Materials

  1. Your methods and materials section is one of, if not THE, most critical components of your paper. You must walk a fine line with this section, why do you think that is the case? Include in your answer specific reasons and examples.

Part 6: Results

  1. In your own research, how would you meet the three rules of thumb while writing your paper?
  1. Under the example, read the quote “Notice how the second sample points out what is important in the accompanying figure. It makes us aware of relationships that we may not have noticed quickly otherwise and that will be important to the discussion.” How does the example make us aware of any relationships?

Part 7: Discussion

  1. If this section of your paper relies heavily upon speculation, how would you avoid haphazard guessing?
  1. How would you support or refute any data in this section?

Part 8: Achieving the Scientific Voice

  1. There are 8 key points here, how would you as an author make sure to address all 8?

Part 9: Bibliography

  1. What style of writing would you argue to be most appropriate when writing a scientific paper?