Doing Research Research is the process of collecting information from your own experiences or knowledgeable sources, or collecting data from experiments. Your first research is used to select a project topic. This is called topic research. For example, you observe a black growth on bread slices and wonder how it got there. Because of this experience, you decide to learn more about mold growth. Your topic will be about fungus reproduction. After you have selected a topic, you begin what is called project research. This is research to help you understand the topic, identify a problem, learn about the topic ... and may include an experiment. Choose a topic appropriate to your grade level Displays of information are appropriate for lower grades, unless the topic is difficult, or above your grade level. Use many references from printed sources, such as books, magazines, and newspapers, as well as electronic sources (computer software and the internet). Don't use just one source Gather information from professionals - instructors, librarians, or scientists (including physicians and veterinarians). Record information about your sources. Text sources require the book title and author, and where you found the book. Internet sources require the site title and exact address. Limit your topic. Make it narrow enough that you can complete it in the time allowed, and can display what you found in a reasonable amount of space. Your teacher will help you with this. Try to choose a problem that can be solved experimentally. For example, the question "What is a mold?" can be answered by finding the definition of the word 'mold' in the dictionary. But, "At room temperature, what is the growth rate of bread mold on white bread?" is a question that can be answered by experimentation. Science Fairs