Science Research Paper Guidelines

• You must use a minimum of 3 resources=C, 4=B, 5=A:

encyclopedias, books, videos, computer programs such as
Encarta, personal “expert” interviews, magazines and/or
newspaper articles. 1 resource MUST be from a print
material (ie. book or encyclopedia).

• You must have a minimum of 60 note cards=C, 80=B,

100=A: a good rule of thumb to use would be to have at
least 12C/16B/20A note cards from each source (if
possible).

• When researching, find general information about your

topic. Pretend you are going to give this information to a
foreigner who knows nothing about the Science topic you
are writing about. For example: if your topic is, the heart, then
you can research the structure of the heart, the function (job) of the
heart, the organ system the heart belongs to, etc.?

• Your FINAL Science research paper must be have a

minimum of 3 subtopics plus an introduction &
conclusion . Both the first and final draft of the research paper
should be typewritten using double-space. The font used must be
Times New Roman size 12. (Shown here). If handwritten, it must
be neatly printed in blue or black ink.

• Margins should be standard. Top/Bottom 1”, &

Left/Right 1.25”. The title should be on the first line, and
the first paragraph should begin on the 5th line.
©DGAlvarado
Name_________________________________________ ID#___________
Per.___________ Date________________

• The format of the research paper should include an

introductory paragraph, which introduces the topic and
what general information the paper will contain. The
body paragraphs (3 subtopics minimum) should
include specific, detailed information (from your note
cards) about the topic. The conclusion paragraph is a
summary of the information that you have covered in
your paper.

• The cover page of the research paper should include the

snazzy title for your science paper, your ID#, and an
appropriate graphic that represents or draws a reader’s
interest.

• The title page of the research paper should include the

snazzy title of your science paper(again), your FLast
name, your teacher’s name class period, & the date it will
be turned in (each on separate lines).

• The bibliography/works cited page should be included

at the end of your research paper. This is where you give
credit for the information you have researched and used
in your paper. You may use www.easybib.com, to type
out your works cited page.
©DGAlvarado

Research Guidelines:
Student Name & Period____________________________
Parent Signature____________________________________
Date____________________