Mastering the Abstract Mastering the Abstract Writing ProcessWriting Process

John Cole John Cole

Intel ISEF D & S ChairIntel ISEF D & S Chair

What Is an Abstract?What Is an Abstract?

A brief, written explanation of the research A brief, written explanation of the research project, consisting of a succinct description of project, consisting of a succinct description of the project’s purpose, the procedures followed, the project’s purpose, the procedures followed, the data collected, and the conclusions reached. the data collected, and the conclusions reached.

A clear and simple summary statement of the A clear and simple summary statement of the main points of the experimentmain points of the experiment

A self-contained statement that must make A self-contained statement that must make sense all by itself.sense all by itself.

ISEF Abstract RulesISEF Abstract RulesIntel ISEF rules require each Finalist to write an abstract of Intel ISEF rules require each Finalist to write an abstract of no more than 250 words to be displayed with the project. no more than 250 words to be displayed with the project.

An abstract gives the essence of the project in a brief but An abstract gives the essence of the project in a brief but complete form to judges and the public viewing the complete form to judges and the public viewing the Finalist’s project.Finalist’s project.

Once approved, SRC provides the Finalist with two Once approved, SRC provides the Finalist with two embossed copies of the abstract, one to display vertically embossed copies of the abstract, one to display vertically at the project and the other to make copies to handout to at the project and the other to make copies to handout to

judges and the public on visitors’ day.judges and the public on visitors’ day.

The abstract must focus on the current year's research and give only minimal reference to previous work.

Details and discussions should not be included in the abstract, but may be put in the longer, written research paper (if required), or given on the project exhibit board.

Finalists at the Intel ISEF are required to use the on-line system for submitting their abstract. Regional and local fairs use the Official Abstract Form (not necessary for most local fairs).

In addition, abstracts must not include acknowledgments (such as referencing mentor or university laboratory).

Provides SRC a quick study of your project as it Provides SRC a quick study of your project as it is an overview of the purpose, means, and result is an overview of the purpose, means, and result of research. of research.

Helps judges (both special and category) Helps judges (both special and category) discern quickly whether the project qualifies for discern quickly whether the project qualifies for specific awards and whether the research is specific awards and whether the research is significant in its specific area.significant in its specific area.

Informs visitors to ISEF (students, teachers, and Informs visitors to ISEF (students, teachers, and the public at large) of the nature of the research.the public at large) of the nature of the research.

Review of Abstract’s PurposeReview of Abstract’s Purpose

Steps in Developing AbstractSteps in Developing Abstract

1.1. Begin with a Begin with a Research Project Research Project ProspectusProspectus to outline the research to outline the research project. A prospectus helps the project. A prospectus helps the researcher identify the nature and scope researcher identify the nature and scope of the investigation, research methods, of the investigation, research methods, and anticipated conclusions and/or and anticipated conclusions and/or applications. An example of such a applications. An example of such a prospectus follows:prospectus follows:

Possible Title:Name:School:

Purpose of project / experimentIn a sentence of 25 words or fewer, explain the reason for your research project or a hypothesis you have selected to test.

Methods of researchExplain in a sentence or two how you plan to research your topic. What methods will you use? What resources will you need?

Data/ObservationsDetermine what data do you need to collect and what difficulties you may encounter as you research.

Conclusions/ApplicationsExplain in a sentence or two what results you anticipate your research will produce. What conclusions or applications do you hope to be able to explain?

Sample Research Project Prospectus

2.2. Once the research is completed and you Once the research is completed and you are ready to show your project, use an are ready to show your project, use an Abstract Template to write a draft of the Abstract Template to write a draft of the abstract. The following example was abstract. The following example was created using a table format in a Word created using a table format in a Word document. document.

Sample Abstract TemplateSample Abstract TemplateTitleNameSchool

Purpose of project / experiment:

An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic of the project.

A statement of the problem or hypothesis being studied.

Summarize procedures, emphasizing the key points or steps:

A summarization of the key points and an overview of how the investigation was conducted.

Omit details about the materials used unless it greatly influenced the procedure or had to be developed to do the investigation.

An abstract should only include procedures done by the student. Work done by a mentor (such as surgical procedures) or work done prior to student involvement must not be included.

Detail succinctly observations/data/results:

This section should provide key results that lead directly to the conclusions you have drawn.

It should not give too many details about the results nor include charts or graphs.

State conclusions/applications.

Explanation of PartsExplanation of PartsPurpose of the ExperimentPurpose of the Experiment

An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic of the project. An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic of the project. A statement of the problem or hypothesis being studied. A statement of the problem or hypothesis being studied.

Procedures UsedProcedures UsedA summarization of the key points and an overview of how the investigation was conducted. A summarization of the key points and an overview of how the investigation was conducted. An abstract does not give details about the materials used unless it greatly influenced the An abstract does not give details about the materials used unless it greatly influenced the procedure or had to be developed to do the investigation. procedure or had to be developed to do the investigation. An abstract should only include procedures done by the student. Work done by a mentor (such An abstract should only include procedures done by the student. Work done by a mentor (such as surgical procedures) or work done prior to student involvement must not be included. as surgical procedures) or work done prior to student involvement must not be included.

Observation/Data/ResultsObservation/Data/ResultsThis section should provide key results that lead directly to the conclusions you have drawn. This section should provide key results that lead directly to the conclusions you have drawn. It should not give too many details about the results nor include tables or graphs. It should not give too many details about the results nor include tables or graphs.

ConclusionsConclusionsConclusions from the investigation should be described briefly. Conclusions from the investigation should be described briefly. The summary paragraph should reflect on the process and possibly state some applications and The summary paragraph should reflect on the process and possibly state some applications and extensions of the investigation. extensions of the investigation. An abstract does not include a bibliography unless specifically required by your local fair. The An abstract does not include a bibliography unless specifically required by your local fair. The Intel ISEF requires the bibliography as part of the research plan to be provided on Form 1A.Intel ISEF requires the bibliography as part of the research plan to be provided on Form 1A.

3.3. Revise and edit the abstract in the template. Revise and edit the abstract in the template. Once you have filled in each section, you can Once you have filled in each section, you can easily copy and paste the final version into the easily copy and paste the final version into the abstract form online. Such a procedure avoids abstract form online. Such a procedure avoids the need to retype the entire abstract, thereby the need to retype the entire abstract, thereby reducing the chance of errors in the final reducing the chance of errors in the final version.version.

Sample AbstractSample AbstractEffects of Marine Engine Exhaust Water on Algae Effects of Marine Engine Exhaust Water on Algae

Mary E. JonesMary E. JonesHometown High School, Hometown, PAHometown High School, Hometown, PA

This project in its present form is the result of bioassay This project in its present form is the result of bioassay experimentation on the effects of two-cycle marine engine exhaust experimentation on the effects of two-cycle marine engine exhaust water on certain green algae.water on certain green algae. The initial idea was to determine the The initial idea was to determine the toxicity of outboard engine lubricant. Some success with lubricants toxicity of outboard engine lubricant. Some success with lubricants eventually led to the formulation of "synthetic" exhaust water which, eventually led to the formulation of "synthetic" exhaust water which, in turn, led to the use of actual two-cycle engine exhaust water as in turn, led to the use of actual two-cycle engine exhaust water as the test substance. the test substance.

Toxicity was determined by means of the standard bottle or "batch" Toxicity was determined by means of the standard bottle or "batch" bioassay technique. Scenedesmus quadricauda and bioassay technique. Scenedesmus quadricauda and Ankistrodesmus sp. were used as the test organismsAnkistrodesmus sp. were used as the test organisms. . Toxicity was Toxicity was measured in terms of a decrease in the maximum standing crop. measured in terms of a decrease in the maximum standing crop. The effective concentration - 50% (EC 50) for Scenedesmus The effective concentration - 50% (EC 50) for Scenedesmus quadricauda was found to be 3.75% exhaust water; for quadricauda was found to be 3.75% exhaust water; for Ankistrodesmus sp. 3.1% exhaust water using the bottle techniqueAnkistrodesmus sp. 3.1% exhaust water using the bottle technique. .

Anomalies in growth curves raised the suspicion that evaporation Anomalies in growth curves raised the suspicion that evaporation was affecting the results; therefore, a flow-through system was was affecting the results; therefore, a flow-through system was improvised utilizing the characteristics of a device called a improvised utilizing the characteristics of a device called a Biomonitor.Biomonitor. Use of the Biomonitor lessened the influence of Use of the Biomonitor lessened the influence of evaporation, and the EC 50 was found to be 1.4% exhaust water evaporation, and the EC 50 was found to be 1.4% exhaust water using Ankistrodesmus sp. as the test organism. Mixed populations using Ankistrodesmus sp. as the test organism. Mixed populations of various algae gave an EC 50 of 1.28% exhaust water. of various algae gave an EC 50 of 1.28% exhaust water.

The contributions of this project are twofold. First, the toxicity of two-The contributions of this project are twofold. First, the toxicity of two-cycle marine engine exhaust was found to be considerably greater cycle marine engine exhaust was found to be considerably greater than reported in the literature (1.4% vs. 4.2%). Secondly, the than reported in the literature (1.4% vs. 4.2%). Secondly, the benefits of a flow-through bioassay technique utilizing thebenefits of a flow-through bioassay technique utilizing the Biomonitor was demonstrated.Biomonitor was demonstrated.

PurposePurpose

MethodsMethods

DataData

ObservationsObservations

ConclusionsConclusions

ApplicationsApplications

Other ExamplesOther ExamplesPersistent Global Activation of the Persistent Global Activation of the AplysiaAplysia Serotonergic System After Serotonergic System After Sensitizing StimuliSensitizing Stimuli

The marine mollusk The marine mollusk AplysiaAplysia responds to noxious stimulation with a responds to noxious stimulation with a stereotyped arousal reaction that includes escape locomotion, increased stereotyped arousal reaction that includes escape locomotion, increased heart rate and sensitization of defensive reflexes. Although previous studies heart rate and sensitization of defensive reflexes. Although previous studies have shown that serotonin (5-HT) is important for most of these behavioral have shown that serotonin (5-HT) is important for most of these behavioral responses, it is still unclear how the 5-HT system is activated in response to responses, it is still unclear how the 5-HT system is activated in response to noxious stimuli. To address this question, I used a specific staining of the 5-noxious stimuli. To address this question, I used a specific staining of the 5-HT neurons in the living central nervous system (CNS) that allowed me to (1) HT neurons in the living central nervous system (CNS) that allowed me to (1) systematically record their electrical activity following a noxious stimulus, and systematically record their electrical activity following a noxious stimulus, and (2) trace their projections using the neuronal tracer Neurobiotin. I found that (2) trace their projections using the neuronal tracer Neurobiotin. I found that in response to tail-nerve shock, a procedure known to mimic a noxious tail in response to tail-nerve shock, a procedure known to mimic a noxious tail stimulus, the vast majority of 5-HT neurons increased their firing rate for stimulus, the vast majority of 5-HT neurons increased their firing rate for several minutes and became more excitable. 5-HT neurons were found to several minutes and became more excitable. 5-HT neurons were found to project toward various peripheral targets such as the gill, heart, body wall, project toward various peripheral targets such as the gill, heart, body wall, tail, siphon, head, and tentacles as well as to other ganglia in the CNS. This tail, siphon, head, and tentacles as well as to other ganglia in the CNS. This study shows that the study shows that the AplysiaAplysia 5-HT system is globally and persistently 5-HT system is globally and persistently activated after a noxious stimulus. Such an activation might serve to activated after a noxious stimulus. Such an activation might serve to synchronize the different aspects of the arousal reaction in synchronize the different aspects of the arousal reaction in AplysiaAplysia..

Writing and RevisingWriting and Revising TipsTips

Emphasize these aspects: purpose (hypothesis), methods, scope, Emphasize these aspects: purpose (hypothesis), methods, scope, results, conclusions, and recommendationsresults, conclusions, and recommendationsFocus only on the current year's research when it is a continuation Focus only on the current year's research when it is a continuation project.project.Exclude any of the mentor or supervisor’s workExclude any of the mentor or supervisor’s workOmit details and discussionsOmit details and discussionsUse the past tense to describe Use the past tense to describe (However, where appropriate use (However, where appropriate use active verbs rather than passive verbs.) active verbs rather than passive verbs.) Use short sentences, but vary sentence structure. Use short sentences, but vary sentence structure. Use complete sentences Use complete sentences (Do not abbreviate by omitting articles or (Do not abbreviate by omitting articles or other small words in order to save space.) other small words in order to save space.) Avoid jargon Avoid jargon Use appropriate scientific languageUse appropriate scientific languageUse concise syntaxUse concise syntaxUse correct spelling, grammar, and punctuationUse correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Simply put, the style of an abstract should always be declarative not discursive.

Revision TechniquesRevision TechniquesAddition – adding a word, phrase, or sentenceAddition – adding a word, phrase, or sentence

Original: Original: This project is an experimentation of the effects of This project is an experimentation of the effects of two-cycle marine engine exhaust water on certain algae. two-cycle marine engine exhaust water on certain algae.

Revised: Revised: This project is a bioassay experimentation of the This project is a bioassay experimentation of the effects of two-cycle marine engine exhaust water on certain effects of two-cycle marine engine exhaust water on certain green algae.green algae.

Deletion – deleting a word, phrase, or sentenceDeletion – deleting a word, phrase, or sentence

Original: The researcher has developed an original code Original: The researcher has developed an original code required for successful implementation of the environment required for successful implementation of the environment reconstruction applicationreconstruction application..

Revised: The researcher Revised: The researcher developeddeveloped an original code an original code required for successful implementation of the environment required for successful implementation of the environment reconstruction applicationreconstruction application..

Substitution – substituting one word, phrase, or sentence for Substitution – substituting one word, phrase, or sentence for anotheranother

Original: In the beginning, the idea was to determine the Original: In the beginning, the idea was to determine the toxicity of outboard engine lubricant.toxicity of outboard engine lubricant.

Revised: The Revised: The initialinitial idea was to determine the toxicity of idea was to determine the toxicity of outboard engine lubricant.outboard engine lubricant.

Transposition – moving words, phrases, or sentences to Transposition – moving words, phrases, or sentences to another position another position

Original: Using optical fibers as light guides, a system was Original: Using optical fibers as light guides, a system was

created with light guided from a light source to an integrating created with light guided from a light source to an integrating chamber, reflected and guided back to a digital camera.chamber, reflected and guided back to a digital camera.

Revised: A system Revised: A system using optical fibers as light guidesusing optical fibers as light guides was was created with light guided from a light source to an integrating created with light guided from a light source to an integrating chamber, reflected, and then guided back to a digital camera.chamber, reflected, and then guided back to a digital camera.

Combination – combining sentences and/or paragraphs, Combination – combining sentences and/or paragraphs, which usually results in the use of multiple revision which usually results in the use of multiple revision techniques and a considerable shortening of the passage.techniques and a considerable shortening of the passage.

Original: The project was started with an investigation of Original: The project was started with an investigation of methods in use today and possible alternatives. Two methods in use today and possible alternatives. Two alternative methods that seemed to be promising were alternative methods that seemed to be promising were chosen — the first method is to kill bacteria with pulsing chosen — the first method is to kill bacteria with pulsing high voltage, and the second is boiling with high efficient high voltage, and the second is boiling with high efficient heat exchanging.heat exchanging.

Revised: The project iRevised: The project investigatednvestigated two alternative methods two alternative methods in use today: in use today: 1) killing1) killing bacteria with pulsing high voltage; bacteria with pulsing high voltage; 2)2) boiling boiling bacteria with abacteria with a high efficient heat high efficient heat exchangeexchange..

Quiz: What techniques are used in Quiz: What techniques are used in revising this passage?revising this passage?

Original: Original: The purpose of my projectThe purpose of my project is to find the is to find the connection between the ratio of radii of an connection between the ratio of radii of an ellipse and ellipse and itsits mechanical advantage on mechanical advantage on specified angle of rotation intervals.specified angle of rotation intervals.

Revision:Revision:This project examined the connection This project examined the connection between the ratio of radii of an ellipse and between the ratio of radii of an ellipse and the mechanical advantage of a specified the mechanical advantage of a specified angle of rotation intervals. angle of rotation intervals.

PERIOD ANALYSIS OF CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE X10 PERIOD ANALYSIS OF CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE X10

AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE ORIGIN OF LOW STATESAND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE ORIGIN OF LOW STATES

Cataclysmic variables are binary systems, each consisting of a white dwarf (the primary) Cataclysmic variables are binary systems, each consisting of a white dwarf (the primary) and a low mass star (the secondary). Usually, matter flows from the secondary onto the and a low mass star (the secondary). Usually, matter flows from the secondary onto the primary, producing X-rays upon impact. However, previous observations have indicated primary, producing X-rays upon impact. However, previous observations have indicated that certain cataclysmic variables frequently exhibit low states – a dramatic decrease in that certain cataclysmic variables frequently exhibit low states – a dramatic decrease in mass transfer (and thus X-ray production) for an extended period of time. Low states can mass transfer (and thus X-ray production) for an extended period of time. Low states can last up to several years, and this phenomenon is currently not well understood. This last up to several years, and this phenomenon is currently not well understood. This research is primarily focused on creating a model to elucidate the origin of low states research is primarily focused on creating a model to elucidate the origin of low states using data gathered from X10, a magnetic cataclysmic variable that experienced a low using data gathered from X10, a magnetic cataclysmic variable that experienced a low state in year 2005. The model proposed in this study attributes low states to the magnetic state in year 2005. The model proposed in this study attributes low states to the magnetic interactions between the secondary’s starspots and the primary, and its predictions on interactions between the secondary’s starspots and the primary, and its predictions on which systems should exhibit low states and which ones should not have all been which systems should exhibit low states and which ones should not have all been confirmed by past observations. confirmed by past observations.

THE STRING TOPOLOGY BV ALGEBRA, HOCHSCHILD COHOMOLOGY THE STRING TOPOLOGY BV ALGEBRA, HOCHSCHILD COHOMOLOGY

AND THE GOLDMAN BRACKET ON SURFACESAND THE GOLDMAN BRACKET ON SURFACES

This project provides an algebraic description of the String Topology Batalin-Vilkovisky This project provides an algebraic description of the String Topology Batalin-Vilkovisky algebra for a large class of manifolds. Such a description previously existed only for algebra for a large class of manifolds. Such a description previously existed only for spheres and projective spaces.spheres and projective spaces.The homology H(LX) of the space of free loops of a closed oriented smooth manifold X The homology H(LX) of the space of free loops of a closed oriented smooth manifold X has a rich algebraic structure called string topology, discovered by Chas and Sullivan in has a rich algebraic structure called string topology, discovered by Chas and Sullivan in 1999. In particular, H(LX) is a Batalin-Vilkovisky (BV) algebra. However this structure is 1999. In particular, H(LX) is a Batalin-Vilkovisky (BV) algebra. However this structure is hard to compute in algebraic terms.hard to compute in algebraic terms.This project studies string topology in the case when the manifold X is aspherical. In this This project studies string topology in the case when the manifold X is aspherical. In this case the Hochschild cohomology Gerstenhaber algebra HH(A) of the group algebra A of case the Hochschild cohomology Gerstenhaber algebra HH(A) of the group algebra A of the fundamental group of X has a BV structure. My main result is a theorem establishing the fundamental group of X has a BV structure. My main result is a theorem establishing a natural isomorphism between the Hochschild cohomology BV algebra HH(A) and the a natural isomorphism between the Hochschild cohomology BV algebra HH(A) and the string topology BV algebra H(LX). In particular, for a closed oriented surface X of string topology BV algebra H(LX). In particular, for a closed oriented surface X of hyperbolic type this gives a complete description of the BV algebra operations on H(LX) hyperbolic type this gives a complete description of the BV algebra operations on H(LX) and HH(A) terms of the Goldman bracket of loops on X. and HH(A) terms of the Goldman bracket of loops on X. There are several conjectures connecting the string topology BV algebra with algebraic There are several conjectures connecting the string topology BV algebra with algebraic structures on the Hochschild cohomology of algebras related to the manifold X. My structures on the Hochschild cohomology of algebras related to the manifold X. My theorem is the first such hypothesis that has been proven. The proof is based on a theorem is the first such hypothesis that has been proven. The proof is based on a combination of topological and algebraic constructions allowing to compute and compare combination of topological and algebraic constructions allowing to compute and compare multiplications and BV operators on both H(LX) and HH(A).multiplications and BV operators on both H(LX) and HH(A).

COMPUTER AIDED INSTRUCTION IN THE MODERN CLASSROOMCOMPUTER AIDED INSTRUCTION IN THE MODERN CLASSROOM

Computers have benefited mankind in many areas, and are still left untapped in many Computers have benefited mankind in many areas, and are still left untapped in many areas. The main aim of this project was to provide a modern, fresh and exciting areas. The main aim of this project was to provide a modern, fresh and exciting environment for education to take place in - utilizing computers as a medium. Although environment for education to take place in - utilizing computers as a medium. Although not restricted to, one of the concerns and motivations of this project was to make this new not restricted to, one of the concerns and motivations of this project was to make this new form of education accessible to the underprivileged, both in South Africa and form of education accessible to the underprivileged, both in South Africa and internationally.internationally.A program suite was designed to enhance education in the classroom. VirtuaLAB, a A program suite was designed to enhance education in the classroom. VirtuaLAB, a Virtual Reality (VR) laboratory, provides a 3-Dimensional, fully equipped and extensible Virtual Reality (VR) laboratory, provides a 3-Dimensional, fully equipped and extensible science laboratory where the students have the freedom to conduct experiments, learn science laboratory where the students have the freedom to conduct experiments, learn and experience chemistry 'first hand' (similar to modern video games), all provided and experience chemistry 'first hand' (similar to modern video games), all provided through an affordable desktop solution. Testing, both of the students' and teachers' usage through an affordable desktop solution. Testing, both of the students' and teachers' usage of the program, as well as research into the affordability and viability of such a proposed of the program, as well as research into the affordability and viability of such a proposed environment was also conducted. environment was also conducted. There are many communities where overpopulation, poverty and lack of resources have There are many communities where overpopulation, poverty and lack of resources have made education inaccessible. VirtuaLAB was investigated to determine how it could aid made education inaccessible. VirtuaLAB was investigated to determine how it could aid such a community practically. Other benefits, such as those to student's progress, results such a community practically. Other benefits, such as those to student's progress, results and attitude towards their education, were examined.and attitude towards their education, were examined.In the broader perspective, VirtuaLAB is one implementation of a Computer Aided In the broader perspective, VirtuaLAB is one implementation of a Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) environment – using VR to immerse the user in the VirtuaLAB world. Instruction (CAI) environment – using VR to immerse the user in the VirtuaLAB world. The community response alone proved that such new technologies are not only viable The community response alone proved that such new technologies are not only viable but are also demanded and that endless opportunity waits in this modern technological but are also demanded and that endless opportunity waits in this modern technological future.future.