Tips on writing a good project report

It’s likely you are going to showcase your project at a science fair at a school / regional / national level. Here are a few tips that can help in better presentation of your project

Structure of the Project Report


Cover Page: Title of your project should be written on the top in large font. You may use sketches, photographs, cartoons etc. to make the cover page attractive. Write the names of the project workers on the lower part of the cover.


Abstract: Write an abstract of your project within 500 words. The abstract should present a complete picture of your project so that anybody who goes through it can have an overall idea of the project. The language used in the abstract should be very simple

Contents

Serial No.	Subject	Page
1
2
3

(A) Introduction

Write the title of the project on the top. The title of the project normally does not give much idea on the project. So, you have to give an introduction to the project. This is a general discussion on the topic and what you are planning to do. You may also write about the outline of the report (i.e., what are the chapters and materials given)

(B) Problem Statement, hypothesis and rationale

Justify your selection of the project in 50 to 100 words.

(C) Work Plan

Write in short about the scheme of work to complete the project.


(D) Methodology

In this chapter you should write how you have done the project, when you did it (month, day etc.) and how you have selected samples, maps, sample survey
form(s) (blank), etc. should be given here.

(E) Results

Present the data (results) obtained / collected through experimentation, study and survey. Relevant maps, figures, tables etc. should be given in this chapter. Take care to make your presentation as simple as possible. Tables, diagrams etc. also should be understandable to all and should be systematically presented. Do not analyse your data or draw conclusions in this chapter. In fact, up to this chapter you are not supposed to give your own opinion, analysis and interpretation.

(F) Data Analysis

Analyse the data presented in the ‘Result’ chapter and try to co-relate them. Do not come to any conclusion or offer any suggestion in this chapter.

(G) Conclusion

You know how to draw conclusions based on analyzed data. Include your suggestions that, you think, can solve the problem in hand. Also write about scope for
future work.

(H) Solution to the Problem

Once you implement a permanent (more or less permanent) solution to the problem write down the steps of implementation and how you have solved it. Figures,
photographs, maps, letters, articles published may be given along.

(I) Acknowledgement
Acknowledge the help and co-operation you got from various individuals and organizations. Remember that, you should record your thanks / gratefulness to all those who have helped you or encouraged you, it does not matter how small the help may be
or how less important the person may be. However, this chapter should not preferably be more than one page in length.

(J) Reference
This is the last chapter of your project report. Here you should quote all study materials used (e.g., books, articles, news paper, personal interviews etc.) You should write references in a specific order. We shall stick to writing them in alphabetical order of surname (Family name) of authors (and in alphabetical order of the names of news paper).

 

Source: Harness water resources for a better future - Activity Guide for the 13th National Children's Science Congress