Writing a Good Procedure

Goals Identify the parts of a good procedure: methods, materials, & measurements. Define the following terms: Independent (x) variable, dependent (y) variable, subjects, units of measurement, experimental controls/controlled variables, and correlation. Design a procedure using the elements of a good experiment discussed in class. Write an experimental procedure for your investigation.

Agenda Engage: Review variables in an experiment. Write a procedure for drawing a stick figure. Review variables in an experiment. Identify the control, dependent, and independent variables in an example. Write a detailed procedure for how the experiment in the example can be conducted. Discuss details in a procedure.

Warm-Up Draw a stick figure. Try to make it interesting in some way. Be prepared to give another student instructions on how to draw the same stick figure that you did.

Brainstorm What makes a good procedure? What does a procedure need to make it easy to follow?

Lab Use the CAVA Science Fair page from Boise State to identify the parts of a procedure and to rewrite a procedure to make it more effective. The instructions are on the lab found at google classroom. Complete activities 1 and 2 with your group.

Quiz Complete activity 3. Re-write a procedure to make it easier to follow.

Assignment Write a procedure for your engineering design or for your experiment. Make sure that it is detailed! You should have methods, materials, and measurements included in your procedure. Resources are available on the class website.

Part 2: Conferencing Goals Analyze procedures to determine if they contain appropriate levels of detail. Analyze procedures to identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables. Analyze procedures to determine if they have specific and appropriate measurements.

Agenda Analyze 2 examples of student work and suggest improvements to these procedures. Analyze an exemplar from Science Buddies to identify the parts of a good procedure. Apply the information that we talked about in class to edit your procedure.

Student Example

Example 2 In order to see which shooting drill works the best, I will try shooting drill A from points 1, 2, and 3. I will repeat this procedure with shooting drill B and C. Whichever drill I’m using when I make the most shots works the best.

Student Exemplars Go to google classroom. Open the assignment: Procedure Conferencing Select the experimental or the engineering procedure. Read and analyze the procedure to answer the questions on the response.

Assignment Apply your knowledge of procedure writing to edit and revise your procedure. Revised procedures will be due tomorrow, 1/7.