Scientific Discovery Paper

LSC 100 Cycle One: Scientific Discovery Paper
Format: Two pages, double–spaced.

References: You may choose to get information about your discovery online. Include in–text
citations for any information you researched to write this paper. Use parenthetical citations
(Author, Year, p. xx). You must also include a list of references on a separate page for any sources
you cite.

Instructions: Using storytelling techniques and the 4 Cs, write about a scientific fact or a scientific
discovery or achievement that inspires or interests you. Make sure to use a story–based/narrative
connection to draw your reader in. Teach us something and use narrative and storytelling to help
us learn it.

Example Topics: Discovery of pasteurization, the science behind how peoples’ eyes adjust to the
dark, discovery of an element on the periodic table, the science of optical illusions

Paper Structure: Use the 4 Cs of Storytelling

Paragraph 1: Connection. Grab your audience with a story in the first paragraph. If you are writing
about a discovery, give away a small part of the narrative that will pique our interest. If you are
teaching us a fact, tell a story that makes the fact you are about to teach feel more real, vibrant,
imaginable or relevant. This can be a story of a place, person, town, city, animal, etc.

Paragraph 2: Context. Transition between your connection and your climax by giving us the
necessary background. Explain how the story relates to the fact you are about to teach us. Or, if
writing about a discovery, backtrack to the beginning of the story. Introduce us to the cast of
characters involved and set the conditions in which the discovery occurred. Give enough context to
prepare your reader so they understand and enjoy the revelation you present.

Paragraph 3: Climax/Change. Give the climax or change of the story. What was the achievement
and how was it made? What is the most interesting part of the scientific fact you are teaching us?
What have we been waiting to learn? Why is it interesting? Why is it important?

Paragraph 4: Conclusion. Tie up the story of the discovery or fact. Briefly summarize what you
covered; remind the reader of the journey you just took them on. Return tangibly to something you
said in the introduction: did you tell a story in the intro? Tell us how it ended. Did you ask a
question? Answer it. Give some wisdom, wit, or genuine heart that readers can take away. Is there a
lesson to be learned? A broader significance to the discovery or to what you taught us? Can what
you write leave an impression on readers?

Focus on:
• One Idea Per Paragraph: Make sure each paragraph is its own distinct idea. Make sure that
you could articulate in a couple of words what each paragraph is for.
• Topic Sentences: Every paragraph must have a topic sentence. This sentence must preview
the content of the paragraph.
• Quotation: Integrate one quotation with correct punctuation and in–text attribution
• Professional Tone: Do not use first person. Do not use colloquialisms (informal phrases or
slang that is not usually used in academic writing) and avoid contractions