1. sefh writing contest: Structuring the paper
A presentation given by the sefh lead judge Holly Prevost
Associate director, University of Houston Writing center

2. SEFH Writing Contest GOALS
+ A great opportunity to introduce students to purposeful, academic writing!

3. Writing in the STEM fields

4. How is scientific writing different?

5. SEFH PAPER REQUIREMENTS

6. Common parts to include
Introduction
Methods
Results
And (Abstract)
Discussion
*Bibliography/
Citations

7. Abstracts
Informative abstracts summarize the entire report, including the results sections. Abstracts are required for the SEFH writing competition. Encourage students to write the first part when formulating their ideas and leave room for their results statement.

8. ABSTRACT GUIDELINES & SAMPLES
Examples of abstracts
ABSTRACT GUIDELINES & SAMPLES

9. Introduction
Introductions outline the entire project for the reader. It’s a great opportunity to define terms that will be used, while giving the reader a brief look at what will follow. Introductions identify the problem, can include purpose statements that explain why the experiment is needed, and include necessary background information that identifies the gap the research fills and why this research is important to the field.
An introduction is a great space to emphasize the importance of the experiment, or answer the question “WHY?”
Scope: Sometimes this is in the introduction. It established what will and won’t be discussed. Even if a student doesn’t include this part it may be a good thing for them to keep in mind to stand on track.

10. METHODS
Tells the reader in detail how the research was conducted. Students need to be as specific as possible. It is also important for students to explain why a particular method was used as they go through an explanation of each step. This section can include a materials list, timeline of the experiment, equation or theory applied, graphics that demonstrate the process. Good experiments can be replicated, therefore students need to be accurate and include all details. It is the recipe for their research.

11. RESULTS/data
Provide data from the research to the reader. Remember the rule regarding labeling tables and figures: Label tables on top, figures on the bottom. Remember-table top. Figures and graphics should be clear, contribute to the section and be discussed in writing. All questions asked, or purpose statements identified in the introduction need to be answered. Results aren’t always what students anticipated… it is okay for things to not work completely

12. Discussion/CONCLUSION
This is the student’s opportunity to interpret the information for the reader and advise for the next steps that need to be taken. Students should be sure to acknowledge any limitations or things they would modify if they were to replicate the experiment. Students need to make sure their discussion and conclusion mirrors the identified research objectives.
This is great space to answer the question “so what?” and potentially offer suggestions for further research or state what they have learned from this experience

13. References/CITATIONS
Students are required to have a bibliography/reference list. They need to find credible resources that help to identify some background information on the subject area. Credit needs to be given to these sources in text and in the reference list. The citation style used (MLA/APA) can vary but students need to give credit. Refer them to OWL for more information on citation and to find good resources they can use Google scholar.

14. RUBRIC OVERVIEW: TIPS FOR SUCCESS
For questions about the writing requirements and scoring process visit sefhouston.org and please feel free to contact us at