II. The cover sheet should follow the format described here.

III. The first page of the report should follow the format described here.

IV. For Option 1:
The report should be 15 pages of text (this excludes charts, graphs, appendices).

V. For Option 2:
The report should be 10 pages of text (this excludes charts, graphs, appendices).

The suggestions below have been summarized from Day (Day, R.A., 1993), How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, Second Edition, ISI Press, Philadelphia. Refer to these to the extent to which they are helpful in your particular case. It is very important that you discuss your report with your mentor. They will be given a copy of your report.

ABSTRACT

Briefly describe your experiment or project and state the major conclusion or results.

INTRODUCTION

Present sufficient background information to make clear the rationale for your work, review pertinent literature, outline the nature and scope or goal of your project and describe your method or strategy. The principle results or outcomes should be stated in more detail than in the abstract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Describe accurately and completely the details of your research: identify materials and instrumentation, include instruments, calculations, computer programs, and special techniques. Sufficient details should be given so that a competent researcher could repeat your work.

RESULTS

What information did the research yield? Numerical or graphical data, computer programs theorem, design, component, instrument or circuit? Include drawings, photographs, program listing, etc., as appropriate.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Present relationships and generalizations, which are supported by your research. Interpret your results or give a critique of your project. Discuss theoretical implications and practical applications.

RECOMMENDATIONS

What new questions and problems have arisen? What should be the next step? What would you like to do as a follow through for next summer.