Why won't my science teacher let me use Wikipedia as a reference?

Answer 1

Your science teacher most probably will not let you use wikipedia as a reference on its own as it is not an objective source. Wikipedia, or an encyclopedia, is a summary based upon several references that can't be directly verified. You're relying on an author's summary rather than researching from the authoirty that directly made the observation.

Your science teacher wants you to find sources of objective research that are commonly respected within a professional community: A research journal, textbook, encyclopedia, pesonal observation, interview with a verifeid professional. These sources are much different than reading a summary online and paraphrasing the topic that is discussed. You will be able to discuss alot more when you look at the original sources. If you stick with something like wikipedia, your response will be based on research that cannot be verified and it may not be valid.