Wikipedia:WikiProject Science

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"If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?"

- Albert Einstein

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[edit] Project Navigation

Project Home | Project Guide | Project Journal | Project Forum | Science Wikiportal | Science WikiProjects

[edit] Scope and goals

This WikiProject aims primarily to coordinate the efforts of Wikipedians interested in Science in an effort to improve popular articles in Science. It is motivated by the belief that a good scientific article should be understandable by the "general public", as well as interesting to the scientifically inclined.

We believe that this is important because popular articles are most read, and improving them benefits many. At the same time, contributing to them brings us the satisfaction that it will be appreciated by many.

Thus, the goals of this WikiProject are as follows:

  1. To attract Wikipedians to the cause, and focus the effort for maximum efficiency
  2. To serve as a nexus and discussion area to build consensus on how to write good scientific articles.

[edit] Other science projects

Some other wikipedia science projects are listed at the WikiProjects page and there is this list_of_topics_(scientific_method). See the current Science Portal for helping develop a Big picture concept for how Science articles can be arranged topically and linked to and from child WikiProjects and Wikiportals.

[edit] Plan of approach

The approach is to start with the most popular scientific articles, and follow on with the more specific ones. We consider that the most popular scientific articles are the ones that are most referenced by other articles (as Google does).

[edit] How you can help

Anybody can help !

  1. Identify target articles
  2. Improve and discuss the proposed structures of articles
  3. Improve target articles
  4. Sign the Guest Book below, and add this page to your watchlist to see what is going on

See more details below. Thanks for helping out !

[edit] Target articles

The list below contains scientific articles that are referenced more than 500 times by other articles, in alphabetical order:

Not reviewed yet (insert new ones alphabetically):

Activation, Albert Einstein, Aluminium, Anatomy, Animal, Apsis, Aristotle, Asteroid, Astronomy, Bacterium, Bird, Botany, Carbon, Cat, Chemical element, Chemistry, Color, Comet, Crater, Darwin, Charles, Density, Desert, Dog, Earth, Earthquake, Enzyme, Evolution, Eye, Fish, Forest, Gas, Gene therapy, Geography, Gold, Gravity, Heart, Hydrogen, Ion (physics), Iron, Jupiter (planet), Kilogram, Kilometre, Mammal, Mars (planet), Metal, Mineral, Mitochondrion, Molecule, Moon, Neutron, Newton, Isaac, Ocean, Oxygen, Physics, Planet, Plant, Protein, Radiation, Reptile, Scientific classification, Second, Silver, Solar system, Species, Star, Sun, Time, Universe

Need restructuring - with no to-do list yet (insert new ones alphabetically):

Magnetism, Orbit, Pressure, SI

Structure identified (insert new ones alphabetically):

Dinosaur, DNA, Electricity, Energy, Frequency, Geology, Light, Temperature

In progress (insert new ones at the end):

Force, Mass, Atom, Photosynthesis, Biology (not specifically using template here, but a major rewrite for nontechnical and introductory readers), Fungus

Done (insert new ones alphabetically):

Brain, Cell (biology), Electron, Gene, Quantum mechanics, Soil, Virus, Volcano, Water

Feature articles (insert new ones alphabetically; see also Categorized feature articles, archival listing):

Here is the procedure to add an article to these lists:

  • scan a list of articles, eg. in a category, to find popular articles
  • go to the article and click on "What links here" to see how many references it has.
  • check that it has more than 500 references
    This can be done by using the "limit" and "offset" parameters in the "what links here" link where limit=20 and offset=495, for which 3 different outcomes are distinguishable
    1. "no pages link here" which occurs if there are <495 links to an article (example WHYY)
    2. >5 articles, which indicates that there are >500 articles linking to the targer (example Brain)
    3. <5 articles, meaning that there 495<n<500 articles link to the target {no example}
note that the article count includes links from the Wikipedia, Category, Talk, and other non-Main article spaces
  • --> Review not complete (Reviewed for "Done" items in listing above)
  • check if it needs restructuring (see the proposed article structure below).
  • if it does not need restructuring:
    • -->Done
  • if it needs restructuring:
    • --> Need restructuring
    • Optional: write a to-do list
      • add {{todo1}} at the top of the talk page of the article; this creates a to-do list of priority 1.
      • click "Edit this list" and add the tasks to be done to improve it; please add a reference to Wikipedia:WikiProject Science, in order to advertise our project.
      • it is good etiquette, but not a requirement, to contribute to an article before creating a to-do list.
      • --> Structure identified
    • restructure the article by moving things around (Be bold : avoid using a temporary page)
    • remove the to-do list
    • add {{WPStructure|Science}} at the begin of the talk page
    • --> In progress
    • fill any missing sections
    • --> Done
    • bring it to Feature Article status
    • --> Feature article

If it has less than 500 references but still needs improvements, you are still encouraged to insert a to-do list of lower priority ({{todo2}}, ... ). Again, include a reference to Wikipedia:WikiProject Science, in order to advertise our project.

[edit] Proposed structure of articles

See "Wikipedia:How to structure the content of an article" for general principles.

We propose that the first part of article be targeted to the general public, while the second part be targeted to the scientifically inclined. The recommended section headings are in bold below.

Note: please add {{WPStructure|Science}} at the begin of the talk page
if you use one of these structures.

[edit] Scientific object / concept

(a "What": temperature, atom, electric current, DNA, brain ...)

  • Introduction (with the major points, accessible to the general public)
    • What field / theory is the concept used in?
    • What other concepts is it related to, and how ?
    • How is it significant ? What does it help understand ?
    • Is it known to be incomplete or incorrect?
    • Are there any individuals who should be noted as primary theoricians of the concept?
    • Pictures and diagrams are most helpful here
  • "What is <Concept> ?" (some sections below might not be relevant; avoid discussing how it works here)
    • Types / classifications of <Object/Concept>
    • Properties / capabilities of <Object/Concept>, with the range of values / behavior that can be observed, or significant values
    • Units of measure
  • "<Concept> and its environment"
    • <Object/Concept> in Nature / in the Universe / on Earth: where it can be found; since when; how it appeared naturally
    • <Object/Concept> in everyday life
    • <Object/Concept> in medicine: applications
    • <Object/Concept> in industry: applications
    • <Object/Concept> in culture
    • <Object/Concept> in religion
  • <Object/Concept> in the laboratory
    • Founding experiments / observations
    • Measurements / observations of each of the object's property / behavior
    • Use in the lab (to study other objects)
  • Theory of <Object/Concept>
    • Fields of study: descriptions of the fields that study the concept / object
    • Structure / anatomy: describe the sub-elements of the concepts, and the structures in which it takes part
    • How it works: describe how the theory explains the <concept / object> properties and capabilities
    • Current research: topics currently under investigation
  • History
    • Describe how the concept came about
    • Consider previous concepts, and their limitations.

[edit] Scientific theories and discoveries

(the "How it works")

  • Introduction: Explanation accessible to the general public.
    • What field is the theory/discovery in?
    • What other theories/discoveries is it related to, and how?
    • How is it significant ? What does it help solve ? What are its successes ?
    • Is it known to be incomplete or incorrect? (Consider Newton's laws, relativity, quantum mechanics, etc.)
    • Are there competing contemporary schools of thought and/or individuals or groups who should be noted as primary architects or discoverers?
    • Pictures and diagrams are most helpful here
  • Theory
    • It's fine to add equations and supporting technical material here.
    • Full discussion of limitations, unsolved problems, and proposed replacement theories (or links thereto).
    • Current research: theoretical topics currently under investigation
  • Applications (avoid theory here)
    • In everyday life: What is the impact on every day life?
    • In industry
    • Impact on society: What are the economic or political implications ?
  • History
    • Founding experiments or observations: describe the major experiments or observations that are the basis for the theory
    • Consider making this a separate article for longer pieces, or making a common history article that several related theories/discoveries can use in common, rather than re-telling the same story over and over again.
    • Describe how the modern theory came about.
    • Consider previous theories, discoveries, and beliefs.
    • Consider the points raised by Thomas Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions.

[edit] Scientific biographies

  • Introduction
    • birthdate, death, briefly what is this scientist best known for
  • Research? -some biographies would do better if Biography and Research are combined
    • Contributions to his or her feild of study, major experiments and theories
  • Biography -chronological order of life history
    • Birthplace and early life
    • Where he/she was educated
    • Life outside of science (eg political activism, military service)
    • Positions held and awards
    • Cause and place of death
  • Bibliography
    • Do not include all papers, only major papers and books
  • References

[edit] Other

Please consult other scientific WikiProjects for proposed structures for chemical elements, particles, space, chemistry, etc.

[edit] IUPAC Standard

In the interest of consistency and clarity the IUPAC standard should be used for chemical names in all science articles. Alternative spellings should be referenced in addition, especially when dealing with regional issues and historical development.

The IUPAC currently recommends:

  • Aluminium instead of aluminum
  • Caesium instead of cesium
  • Sulfur instead of sulphur

Reference

PDF HTML

[edit] Categories

While not a key objective of this WikiProject, we propose the following guidelines when categorizing articles:

  • The category mechanism makes it easy to see all the articles in a particular field. To add an article to a category, simply add [[Category:aField]] at the end of the article (where aField is replaced by the relevant field).
  • We recommend to use the fields of science as the hierarchy of scientific categories.

[edit] Wikipedia:Science collaboration of the month

Infrared is the current science collaboration of the month.
Please help improve this article to featured article standard.
Last month's collaboration was Oxygen - See improvements.

[edit] Scientific Peer Review - Recent requests for review

This is a list of articles that have been nominated for scientific peer review. i.e. by scientists with expertise in the topic. Please contribute by adding new requests at the top of this list:

then add {{scipeerreview}} to the top of the talk page of the article you want reviewing and add a good description of what you want out of the review on the discussion page. Do not add the article separately to peer review. This will be done later in such a way that both refer to the same discussion page.

See Wikipedia:WikiProject Chemistry/Peer review for some related reviews.

Reviews of articles that have been nominated for review and the review completed are archived here.

[edit] Guest book

Please sign-in ! This will encourage others to do so too...

  • Pcarbonn 20:45, 16 Jul 2004 (UTC)
  • Ian Cairns 22:07, 20 Jul 2004 (UTC)
  • Beland 04:51, 23 Jul 2004 (UTC)
  • ww 16:54, 2 Aug 2004 (UTC) I'm certainly sympathic with this project, though taken aback by the scope. I will attempt to assist, time and previous commitments permitting.
  • Sayeth 16:58, Aug 4, 2004 (UTC) I've been working on biographies of neuroscientists who have won the Nobel Prize and related neuroscience articles
  • Dr. Strangelove 13:54, 6 Aug 2004 (UTC) Nice project. I certainly will try to contribute. Unfortunately, I lack the time for great projects at the moment, but I will focus on smaller, more specific articles from the fields of biochemistry and chemistry.
  • Nabla 15:08, 2004 Aug 12 (UTC) - I'll try to give a hand too. Mainly on physics.
  • theresa knott 20:17, 12 Aug 2004 (UTC) I'd love to help out. My main interest is in drawing diagrams ( a picture is worth a thousand words). My main expertise is physics but I like to tinker with other disciplines as well.
  • JesseW 09:21, 7 Sep 2004 (UTC) Sounds good.
  • Lexor|Talk 09:20, 19 Sep 2004 (UTC) The project is a good idea, but I don't think it would be good to be too dogmatic about the names of the "in practice", "in theory" sections, more on Talk page.
  • Andris 20:46, Sep 21, 2004 (UTC)
  • Paul 14:39, 29 Sep 2004 (UTC)
  • ClockworkTroll 15:23, 3 Oct 2004 (UTC) I'll be happy to help with biology (esp. genetics) and chemistry; though this is a huge undertaking, its purpose is a noble one.
  • Whosyourjudas (talk) 22:38, 9 Oct 2004 (UTC) -- I'd love to help out. I've got a good bit of chem and biology in me.
  • Vsmith Been at it, need to sign in :) -Vsmith 21:16, 10 Oct 2004 (UTC)
  • Joe D 22:42, 15 Oct 2004 (UTC). Hi!
  • AnyFile 16:00, 17 Oct 2004 (UTC) I hope to contribute in Physics
  • Bensaccount 15:40, 18 Oct 2004 (UTC)
  • Quinobi 14:12, 25 Dec 2004 (UTC)
  • -Adenosine- 09:03, Mar 7, 2005 (UTC) I'm a genetics/microbiology student, looking at those areas
  • Sambostock 01:45, 15 Mar 2005 (UTC) I'm an undergraduate whole-organism biologist (particularly behavioural ecology) and chemist. Leave a message on my talk if there any projects you want help with.
  • Sonya07 01:31, 21 Apr 2005 (UTC)
  • Fastfission 15:16, 8 May 2005 (UTC) -- I am a graduate student in the history of science and technology, my expertise is in the history of 19th and 20th century biology and physics, writ largely.
  • MarSch 15:54, 16 May 2005 (UTC) was here
  • H Padleckas 11:07, 24 May 2005 (UTC) I've just added some extra sections to the Spectroscopy article which I saw on the Talk:Spectroscopy page was part of this project.
  • Loren 16:00, 24 May 2005 (UTC) Looks good! I'm a grad student in aerospace engineering (undergrad in physics). I'll be happy to contribute on topics related to physics, astrodynamics, and meteorology/atmospheric science.
  • Viriditas | Talk 01:59, 15 Jun 2005 (UTC)
  • Mred64 15:34, Jun 16, 2005 (UTC)
  • Jotomicron | talk Hoping to join, though I'll just assist at first!
  • Courtland July 1, 2005 09:16 (UTC)
  • Scope_Creep July 30th, 2005 17:30 (UTC) Excellento. Wouldn't mind doing a big project. I'll contrib where I can first.
  • Mr.Bip 20:57, 2 August 2005 (UTC) I'm a recent grad, majored in biochem, going to medical school soon. I'm going to be working on lots of biology-related articles.
  • Techguru August 4 2005 (UTC) I'm not an expert in anything but i know a fair amount about all the sciences and technologies and would love to assist on projects.
  • David D. (Talk) 16:40, 3 September 2005 (UTC)
  • --Squirrel Boy 15:40, 8 September 2005 (UTC)
  • Bumfluff 03:38, 9 September 2005 (UTC) i have been working on Earthquake the last few days then i saw this, am new so know far more about earthquakes than articles, some coments would be nice
  • dzou 23:42, 12 October 2005 (UTC) I'm a grad student studying psychology/cognitive science. Happy to help out!
  • Jeeb 01:33, 13 October 2005 (UTC) Plant sciences, ecology, biology in general; science methods.
  • Mycota 17:50, 30 October 2005 (UTC) Botany, mycology, evolutionary biology
  • CH (talk) 02:26, 7 November 2005 (UTC) Math, classical physics. Nice! Well thought-out, should be useful to prospective authors of core science articles (the ones which organize the more specialized articles I prefer to write).
  • --Dataphiliac 06:46, 14 November 2005 (UTC)
  • --ET2 Mol 0537 27Nov05: Science is one of the keys to human's self-evolution. I will do my best.
  • Paleorthid 21:01, 14 December 2005 (UTC) Natural sciences.
  • Cadmium 13:15, 22 December 2005 (UTC) I am a Chemist, I will try and help out where I can
  • Lake_Conrad 22:15, 03 January 2006 (UTC) I am am in Chemical Physics and Instrumentation and I will also try and help out where I can!
  • Bmonne 08Jan06: I would like the geology part of Wikipedia to be as comprehensive as the history part.. As a geology student I will my best to help.
  • —Quarl (talk) 2006-01-06 22:47Z
  • Iamthealchemist 22:33, 24 January 2006 (UTC) I am getting ready to start my PhD work in chemistry and will try to help out wherever I can.
  • Semiconscious • talk 23:08, 24 January 2006 (UTC) - A second-yea PhD student working on neuroscience articles. Check us out over in Wikipedia:Wikiproject Neuroscience!
  • —Nightstallion (?) 13:07, 1 February 2006 (UTC) — Yeah, why not. Don't know how active I will be, but I'm definitely interested.
  • Serephine • 2 January 2006 - Second year microbiology and pathology student, looking forward to contributing to scientific knowledge on such an accessible level.
  • pweberfromeureka@yahoo.com would like to make a few comments about some of the contributions. I do not have a degree in the physical sciences, although I am interested in them. I am, however, working on a Masters in Sociology.
  • Fisheye 04:27, 8 February 2006 (UTC) - I am a professor of Biology. I research the evolution of the vertebrate eye and would like to work on any eye/vision pages. The eye page needs restructuring.
  • Evolauxia 13:41, 9 February 2006 (UTC) Background in geosciences, significant knowledge in mathematics and human biology/medicine
  • Samsara contrib talk 15:42, 27 February 2006 (UTC) I guess I should sign here, seeing that I've made a number of contributions to science articles and am maintaining Science Collaboration of the Week and occasionally helping with Portals Science and Biology as well as Wikiproject History of Science. - Samsara contrib talk 15:42, 27 February 2006 (UTC)
  • Deryck C., a computer nerd and previous SCOTW moderator. 05:36, 10 March 2006 (UTC)
  • Daniel Collins 02:39, 15 March 2006 (UTC). Hydrology, geomorphology, ecology.
  • Andromeda321 19:16, 20 March 2006 (UTC)
  • General Eisenhower 10:45, 2006 March 21 (UTC) - I have created a project that goes along with this one called Disease.
  • Jagged 85 05:39, 9 April 2006 (UTC) - interested in astronomy and physics articles.
  • --Ed (Edgar181) 20:32, 10 April 2006 (UTC)
  • MikeMorley 15:57, 14 April 2006 (UTC)
  • Odmrob 21:32, 10 May 2006 (UTC)
  • Mollsmolyneux|Talk 10:59, 13 May 2006 (UTC)
  • TauNeutrino 18:43, 14 May 2006 (UTC) - you guys rock... cause science rocks!
  • Viridae 10:41, 19 May 2006 (UTC) - Just did a major addition to the Gene therapy article, hope to see it improve further.
  • Geljamin|Talk 20:50, 21 May 2006 (UTC)
  • Harryema 06:18, 28 May 2006 (UTC)
  • MBlume 04:21, 31 May 2006 (UTC) I'm only an undergrad, but I'll try to help where I can
  • lenko 20:01, 5 June 2006 (UTC) Student of electromagnetism
  • Oksavik 16:48, 22 June 2006 (UTC) Student of physics
  • --Scott3 21:59, 12 July 2006 (UTC) Highschool student.
  • Username132 (talk) 16:51, 4 September 2006 (UTC) Student in between courses! Support open access!!
  • raptor 06:00, 6 October 2006 (UTC)
  • Lews Therin 12:08
  • FactsOnly 14:30, 9 November 2006 (UTC)
  • CL8 03:20, 27 November 2006 (UTC)
  • MetsFan76 00:29, 19 December 2006 (UTC) sixth year graduate student in microbiology and immunology; writing thesis soon so need the practice =)
  • Brz7 12:51, 3 January 2007 (UTC) of the WikiProject Conceptual Jungle
  • Aleta 00:42, 16 January 2007 (UTC) - particular interest in geology, petrology
  • Cap'n Refsmmat 05:01, 18 January 2007 (UTC) Count me in.
  • Ocarina Cave Girl 04:45, 9 March 2007 (UTC)
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