serves to give all the important information pertaining to the experiment. Everything from background information to results and future research is included. A reader should be able to read a peer reviewed article and know how the experiment was done, what was found, and what still needs to be done. These experiments often take a long time, decades for some, and they require a source of funding. Grant Proposals This leads us to the next genre in environmental science; grant proposals are how a scientist can convince a backer that the experiment is worth the time and money. A scientist will start by explaining the funding opportunity that is available, or where the money will be coming from, and giving an introduction to the grant proposal. Within the full proposal the writer must include and introduction that explains why the area of study is important. Then one must also include what has already been studied in the area, and why this isn’t sufficient. Once that has been stated, the scientist must explain how the proposed study would be more effective than the previous ones, and how it will advance knowledge in the field. After all of this, the writer will explain exactly what research will be done; this would be similar to the methods and materials sections in peer reviews and lab reports. The hypothesis must then be presented, and it must be explained how the research with support or disprove the given hypothesis. Once the study has been presented, the scientist must then give a specific budget explaining the reasons why the funding is needed. It is important that the writer is as specific as possible with the budget, because a vague budget is unlikely to get funding
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due to the uncertainty of where the money is going. Most people would like to know as much as possible about how their money is being spent for the study, because it is an investment for them. It is important that the writer explains that the components of the budget are necessary for the experiment and the advancement of knowledge. A timeline is then given for the study, and again like the budget, it is important that this is as specific as possible as well. While materials cost money, time is money as well, and it is crucial to show whoever is funding the study what will be done and when. Most likely no one will want to fund a study where there is not a structured timetable or deadlines within the study, because time management is very important for getting a study done right. A good grant proposal will include all of this, it will be concise and clear what will be done, and it will give the backer confidence in your abilities to get the study done and done right. Once the study has been performed, a peer review will be written and if the information is relevant, it is possible that it will be published for the public to read. However, it is important to understand that a grant proposal is a crucial genre in science, because without it very little research would get done. Without scientific research, our society would not be as advanced as it is today. Popular Articles The point of all the research that is done in science is to advance our knowledge as a society, not just within the scientific community. While the interaction between scientists through things like peer reviews are crucial, it is important that findings in the scientific community are relayed to the public. It is
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