Abstract Guidelines

Although the abstract goes at the beginning of a research paper, it is the last piece written because is summarizes all parts of your research (purpose, hypotheses/predictions, methods, results and conclusion).

1. Teams will write one abstract per project.
2. Abstracts must be submitted on the Abstract form with 22 categories.  Be sure to check the appropriate category and boxes at the bottom, and save a copy on your computer.  If you need help selecting a category, use the descriptions listed at Intel ISEF Categories and Subcategories.
3. Review the guidelines for writing an Abstract on page 27 of the 2017 Rules and Guidelines (https://student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef-forms). 
4. Review the Abstract Grading Rubric prior to writing your abstract.  Remember, no personal pronouns.
5. DO NOT ATTACH ABSTRACT TO YOUR DISPLAY BOARD.  SUBMIT IT SEPARATELY.

ABSTRACT GRADING RUBRIC

Note: Obtain a printed copy (pdf) of this Rubric from your science teacher and include this rubric with your abstract.  Do not staple the pages together!
Requirement

Requirement
Formatting

Accomplished (4 points)
Abstract is typed OR Abstract is on official ISEF form

Developing (2-3 points)
Abstract is typed OR Abstract is on official ISEF form

Incomplete (0-1 points)
Abstract is not typed AND Abstract is not on official ISEF form

 

Requirement
Mechanics

Accomplished (4 points)
No errors in grammar/mechanics/spelling AND Paper does not exceed 250 words

Developing (2-3 points)
Few errors in grammar/mechanics/spelling OR Paper exceeds 250 words

Incomplete (0-1 points)
Many errors in grammar/mechanics/spelling AND Paper exceeds 250 words

 

Requirement
Purpose and Hypothesis/Goal

Accomplished (4 points)
Clear statement of purpose AND Clear statement of hypothesis or engineering goals

Developing (2-3 points)
Vague/missing statement of purpose OR Vague/missing hypothesis or engineering goals

Incomplete (0-1 points)
Vague/missing statement of purpose AND Vague/missing hypothesis or engineering goals

 

Requirement
Methods

Accomplished (4 points)
Summary of methods is clear

Developing (2-3 points)
Summary of methods is vague

Incomplete (0-1 points)
Summary of methods is missing

 

Requirement
Observations/Data

Accomplished (4 points)
Key observations/data are concisely and clearly summarized.

Developing (2-3 points)
Key observations/data are vague/incomplete, or are not concisely summarized. 

Incomplete (0-1 points)
Key observations/ data are vague/incomplete, and not concisely summarized, OR are missing entirely

 

Requirement
Conclusions and Applications

Accomplished (4 points)
Conclusions/applications are clear AND Conclusions supported by the observations/data

Developing (2-3 points)
Conclusions/applications are vague OR Conclusions are not supported by the observations/data

Incomplete (0-1 points)
Conclusions/applications are vague AND Conclusions not supported by the observations/data

Subtotal points: _____/24 points Late work deduction (-10% per class): _____ TOTAL:  _____/24 points