2.4.1 WRITING THE TECHNICAL PAPER

Writing the technical paper is often a difficult aspect of a computational science project. It may be easier to talk about a project than to write about it. Written language lacks the body language, gestures, and intonation of spoken language. Technical or scientific writing requires an expository style. The purpose of a technical or scientific paper is to present facts and ideas in direct and concise language. It is aimed at the readers' understanding, rather than the imagination or emotions. It has a different purpose than creative writing, therefore, literary devices used in creative writing are not appropriate. Strive for economy of expression by avoiding jargon, wordiness, and redundancy. Say only what needs to be said.

Technical or scientific writing also requires a specific structure and format. Use active voice, avoid first person references, and use correct grammar. In addition, follow an established presentation format. There are several acceptable formats for writing formal papers. One format, APA, is governed by The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. As a team, and with input from your teacher, determine which specific format to use. Obtain a style manual to reference specific formatting issues. Whichever style you choose, the technical paper should include the following components.

   I.  Title Page
  II.  Table of Contents
 III.  Abstract
  IV.  Introduction
   V.  Problem Definition 
  VI.  Method of Solution
 VII.  Results and Discussion
VIII.  Conclusions and Further Research
  IX.  Works Cited
   X.  Bibliography
  XI.  Appendix

Some of these components were developed throughout the school year. Six more components need to be written: a title page, a table of contents, an abstract, Works Cited, Bibliography, and Appendix.

Title Page

A title page contains pertinent information about the project: the title, the name of each of your team members, your school name and its location, your mentor's name, your sponsoring teacher's name, and the date. The information on the title page should be centered both vertically and horizontally.

A table of contents provides the reader with a list of the headings in your paper and their page number. The heading Table of Contents is centered on the first line of the page. Use leaders (spaced periods) to connect the section title on the left hand margin with the page number on the right hand margin. Each level of subheading is indented 5 spaces.

Abstract

An abstract is a brief (approximately 100 words) summary of your project that appears at the beginning of your report. It should be succinct and self-contained. The abstract should include

an introductory sentence that create interest and draws attention to the topic;
the project definition and goals;
the method of solution;
the results; and,
the conclusions.

Place the abstract on a separate page single spaced with no indentions.

Examples

(Note: The following examples are taken from student computational science project technical papers.)

Temperature of Spacecraft

Model Rocket Simulation

Works Cited and Bibliography

These two sections of a technical paper are similar, yet distinctive. A Bibliography is a listing of all the resource materials consulted in the preparation of the paper. These could include any sources used to gain a better understanding of the topic or those used for researching the topic and background information. Works Cited is a listing of the works cited within the technical paper. There must be a listing in the Works Cited section for every in text citation. The format for each of these listings is the same. (In addition, APA format requires an in text citation of the works researched that consists of the author's name and the date of publication.) The title "References" is used for the bibliography page in APA format. The entries are alphabetized and double-spaced. The first line of each entry is flush left, and the succeeding lines are indented three spaces (Lester and Lester, 1985). On-line sources should also be cited using acceptable format.

Appendix

An appendix is a supplemental section of your technical paper that clarifies or supplements the main body of the paper. The type of information that is placed in an appendix is that which contains too much detail or is too long to place in the body of the paper without impeding the flow of the material. Often, an appendix will contain a table, a chart, or a graph. The project code should be placed in an appendix. Appendices are usually labeled with a two-line heading consisting of (1) the word Appendix and a letter and (2) a title.

Technical Paper - Final Copy

Editing and formatting to finalize sections of the paper that you have previously written will complete the final copy of your technical paper. These include your background section, which will become your Introduction, the Problem Definition, the Method of Solution, the Results and Discussion, and the Conclusions and Further Researchh. Editing means preparing the draft for final writing by checking style, word choice, and grammar. Read through each section of your paper carefully to check sentence structure and word choices. Cut unnecessary phrases and sentences. Confirm that your paraphrases and quotations flow smoothly within your text. Check your spelling carefully. Edit your report for correct and consistent verb tense.

Formatting means to prepare the paper according to page placement, content, and spacing. Some general guidelines for formatting include

maintain a one-inch margin on each edge of the paper;
double-space all lines;
indent paragraphs five spaces;
indent long quotations of four lines or more ten spaces; and,
split paragraphs by leaving two lines on the bottom of the page and carrying two lines to the next page.

After you have edited and formatted the text to your satisfaction, print a copy and ask someone outside your team to read your report. Sometimes it is helpful to have someone that is not familiar with the project help you proofread your final report.

EXERCISES

1. As a team, create the Title Page, Table of Contents, Abstract, Works Cited, and Bibliography sections of your technical paper.

Give one copy to your teacher.

Place one copy in your project file (electronic and/or paper).

Make one copy for each team member.

2. As a team, edit and proofread the body of your report.

Include each of the needed sections. Give one copy to your teacher. Place one copy in you project file (electronic and/or paper). Make one copy for each team member.

3. As a team, write the final copy of your technical report. Include each of the necessary sections in the proper order.

Give one copy to your teacher. Place one copy in your project file (electronic and/or paper). Make one copy for each team member.