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". . . fear not. Read through these tips, take it step-by-step and week-by-week, and you'll be finished before you know it."

 

Tips on Preparing a Scientific Research Paper

Sometimes, the hardest part of any assignment is getting started. This is especially true for research projects because there are several steps involved: deciding on the right topic, gathering sources of information, putting it all together, and finally, writing the paper.

The following tips were prepared by the Sea Grant Program at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), with the help of researchers, librarians, and teachers, to help you organize your research paper from beginning to end. While putting it off to the last minute may sound like a good idea when the teacher assigns the project, procrastination never makes the project easier to complete! Fear not. Read through these tips, take it step-by-step and week-by-week, and you'll be finished before you know it.

Understanding Your Assignment, Plotting a Course of Action
- How to Start, Where to Start
- Identifying Topics of Interest
- What Do You Want to Say About Your Topic?
- Outling Your Project

Compiling Resources
- Teacher/Classroom resources
- Ask your librarian for help!
- On-line Searches
- Organizations to Contact

Organizing Your Resources
- How much is Enough?

Preparing the Paper or Project
- Mental Preparation
- Expand on Your Outline
- Make your research work for you
- Write clearly and logically

Reviewing Your Paper or Project

"Tips Guide" Credits