Independent Research Project

The Independent Research Project (IRP) provides an opportunity for students to...

• learn more about something that interests them
  
• gain firsthand experience in the scientific research process
  
• integrate written, oral, & multimedia communication skills in the science classroom
  

As part of the Independent Research Project, students will...

• submit a background research paper on their topic
• design and implement an experiment related to their topic
• submit a written research report
• give oral presentation on the results of their project
  

Classroom Handouts

These handouts were used to explain and grade the various components of the IRP in my high school Chemistry I Honors classroom. Teachers, please feel free to use and modify them for use in your own classes. If you do so, I would appreciate hearing from you. (See required software)

Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing Your Topic
The Research Process
Project Approval Form
Signature Page
Data Collection
Project Timeline
Background Research Paper - Guidelines, Peer Evaluation, Revised Draft Evaluation
Research Report - Guidelines, Peer Evaluation, Final Evaluation
Oral Presentation - Guidelines, Evaluation

Internet Resources

SLATE Citation Machine & MLA Guidelines from Purdue University - Guidelines for citations in the Background Research Report.

ISEF Web Site - The ISEF is the governing body for the International Science & Engineering Fair. Check out the Document Library to access the forms online. These protocol paper must be completed BEFORE beginning the experiment in order to be eligible for competition.