How to Write a Final Project Report

Final project reports are a necessary component for any research project.

Final project reports are papers that compile, explain and summarize the research performed and conclusions drawn relating to a specific project. Final project reports are common in the hard sciences, social sciences, health sciences, engineering and business fields---but are a necessary element of any project. They inform employing or governing agencies, peers and the research community about your research and important conclusions. Though the process of writing a final project report may seem daunting, with the right preparation, it needn't be so.

Things You'll Need

• Data and research notes
• Pen
• Paper
• Dictionary
• Thesaurus
• Style guide
• Computer
• Word processing program

Instructions

Preparation

1. Compile and review your data and notes you took while conducting your research.

2. Take notes to remind yourself of important key information you must include, as well as any information or phrasing ideas you don't want to forget.

3. Compile your bibliography---including relevant titles, authors, copyright dates, pages used and volume numbers---into one location for future use.

4. Acquire the resources you need to write, such as a dictionary, thesaurus and appropriate style guide (such as MLA or Chicago Manual of Style). Keep these resources handy during the writing process to answer any questions.

The Rough Draft

1. Write the rough draft of your final project report. This draft needn't be perfect---it's purpose is to get all the information written down. You will improve it later. Begin by writing the "Introduction/Background" section. The purpose of this section is to give the reader the context of your project, including all essential background information and the historical and theoretical context.

2. Write the "Procedure" portion of your paper. The procedure portion tells the reader what you did for your project, as well as why and how you did what you did. Diagrams and tables are useful elements of the procedure portion of the paper---they give the reader a visual illustration of your text. This is also the section in which you define any non-standard jargon or special data set names and terms.

3. Write the "Results/Analysis" portion of the paper. This portion should include the applicable theory and how it relates to your research. Discuss your variables, their relationship to one another, what these variables mean and how they relate to fundamental scientific principles. Also include tables tabulating your raw data.

4. Prepare the "Calculation" page, if applicable. This page should describe how all of your relevant calculations were performed.

5. Write your "Conclusions" section. This section synthesizes the data you collected and the theory used for this project. You should also summarize the important elements of your research and any connections your have drawn between your research and others' research. Also discuss what you learned and any uncertainties you have.

6. Write your "Abstract." Though this will be the first section of your paper, it's useful to write this section last after you have articulated your research project. This section is a short paragraph summarizing your project, methods and results.

Finishing Up

1. Read through what you have written. Correct inaccurate elements of your report, as well as improper grammar or spelling. Refer to your reference books to ensure proper spelling, word use and elements of style.

2. Draft your bibliography; attach it to the end of your paper.

3. Have one to three trusted colleagues review your paper. Ask them to point out inaccuracies, anything that isn't clear, questions they have or writing critiques.

4. Rewrite your report based on your colleagues' comments.

5. Review your paper one last time, ensuring the report is accurate and free of grammatical or spelling errors. Attach a cover page with the title of your paper and name.

References

• University of South Carolina: How to Write a Final Project Report
• Organic Farming Research Foundation: Writing Your Final Project Report
• University of York: How to Write a Project Report
• Science Buddies: Science Fair Project Final Report