1. Writing an Abstract Dan Barbour Scimatics Academy Head Rio Rancho, New Mexico

2. What is an Abstract? zA short version (50 to 250 words long) of a completed experiment using the scientific method. zAbstracts are written for other scientists interested in the same problem.

3. Where to start your Abstract zTitle your abstract using eight words or less zPut a period at the end zDouble space after title TITLE EXAMPLE Energizer Battery Maintains Voltage in High Drain Devices.

4. Organize an Abstract zFour parts, Four paragraphs yPurpose/Objective yMaterials/Methods yResults yConclusions and future research

5. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES paragraph of an Abstract zWrite in present tense yFirst sentence xExplain problem and experiment. ySecond sentence xWhat you wanted to discover. yThird sentence xThe experiment's hypothesis.

6. PURPOSE EXAMPLE Objective: The objective of this experiment is to determine which battery, a non-alkaline or alkaline AA battery will maintain voltage for the longest period of time in low, medium, and high current drain devices.

7. METHODS paragraph of an Abstract zWrite in past tense zWrite one to three sentences explaining the materials and methods used zUse words like first, then, lastly

8. METHODS EXAMPLE Materials and Procedures Materials Used CD player (low drain device), three identical flashlights (medium drain devices), camera flash (high drain devices), AA size Duracell and Energizer batteries, AA size "heavy-duty" (non-alkaline) battery (Panasonic), voltmeter & a AA battery holder, kitchen timer Procedure First I numbered and measured each battery's voltage using the voltmeter. Then I measured voltage again every thirty seconds. I repeated until voltmeter read 0.9 volts or until the device stopped. Finally, three trials for each brand of battery were completed in each experimental group.

9. RESULTS paragraph of an Abstract zThree to five sentences yExplain the results of the experiment. yWhat variables affected the experiment.

10. RESULTS EXAMPLE Results The Energizer battery maintained its voltage for approximately 3% longer than Duracell in a low current drain device. In the medium drain device, Energizer maintained voltage for approximately 10% longer than Duracell. In the high drain device, Energizer maintained voltage for 29% longer than Duracell. Energizer performs better the higher the current drain of the device. Heavy-duty non-alkaline batteries do not maintain voltage as long as alkaline batteries at any level of current drain.

11. CONCLUSIONS paragraph of an Abstract zFirst sentence yRestate hypothesis. Was the result what you expected? Why or why not. zSecond sentence yHow this experiment compares to other experiments you’ve read about. zThird sentence yHow the experiment leads to other questions, problems, or experiments to be performed in the future.

12. CONCLUSIONS EXAMPLE Conclusions/Discussion The hypothesis of this experiment is that Energizer lasts the longest in all devices tested. Batteries recover some of their voltage if they are not running in something. In the future, I will test to see why and how much voltage each type of battery can recover after use.

13. Revise/Edit Abstract zCheck and correct ySpelling—read it backwards yCapitalization yPunctuation yGrammar—read it aloud yCount the words, make sure the abstract is between 50-250 words

14. Work towards clearer meaning zUse the correct words yIs there a better way or simpler way to say the same thing? yWhat other scientists think? xDid you answer questions other scientists will ask about your experiment?

15. Format Abstract zTyped, single spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font zDouble space between paragraphs zUse present tense for Purpose/ Objectives and Results /Conclusion section zUse past tense for Methods and Materials

16. Cite Sources zOther researchers and scientists need to know what you’ve read zScientists often read source lists to help them with their own research zUse APA style to cite sources zAttach references on a separate page y ISEF requires references attached to the Experimental Design.

17. REFERENCES EXAMPLE References "Battery." Encyclopedia Britannica. 1990. "Best Batteries." Consumer Reports Magazine 32 (December 1994): 71-72. Booth, Steven A. (January 1999 )"High-Drain Alkaline AA-Batteries." Popular Electronics 62, 58. "Cells and Batteries." The DK Science Encyclopedia. 1993. "Fun Learning." The Gillette Company. [cited January 24, 1999]. www.duracell.com/Fun_Learning/index.html. "Learning Center." Eveready Battery Company, Inc. [cited January 24, 1999]. www.energizer.com/learning/default.asp.

18. You’re done! zRemember the due date zHand it in on time zWhen you get it back, make corrections and plenty of copies for the judges!!!!