Writing Procedures ITBio

What is a procedure? A specific set of instruction outlining the steps for performing a task or experiment. Tells a person how to do something, not just what to do. Breaks tasks into small, sequential steps

Try this 1) Use a regular A4/letter size piece of paper. This is standard printer paper, and measures 8.5x11 inches. The paper needs to be rectangular, not square-shaped or cut out. 2) Fold the paper in half. When folding, the orientation of the paper should be vertical, and the crease should be along this middle, longer side. Make sure the corners of the paper match up.

3) Fold the two top corners towards the middle crease 3) Fold the two top corners towards the middle crease. The edges of the paper should be aligned as exact as possible to the middle crease. The two outer edges of the paper should touch each other at the crease line. This should form triangular flaps on each side of the paper. The top should be in the shape of a point. The bottom of edge of the flap should be a straight line. 4) Fold the flap again towards the middle of the paper. Take the top corner of the outside edge and fold it towards the middle. Just like in step 3, the edges should meet up along the vertical  crease in the middle. The paper should look like a dart, with a much narrower triangular flap on each sides. Most of the paper now will be in the shape of a triangle, with a point at the top.

5) Fold the paper in half. When folding the paper in half, make the fold along the vertical crease. You are folding one side of the paper on top of the other, so it should match up exactly. Run your finger along the crease to make it sharp. 6) Fold the flaps down. Lay the paper so that the flat crease is oriented at the bottom. Fold the paper down from the top to make a flap, leaving a few inches at the bottom. Do the same thing for the other side, making sure to fold the second flap at the exact same place as the first.

Does it look exactly like this? http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Paper-Airplane

How could these procedures be written better?

Good Procedures Are clear and concise Easy to follow Use simple, but scientific terms Uses short, active voice/action statements (“Do this,” not “You should do”) Includes timeframes (when to do something) Includes amounts and measurements Are tested before distributing http://www.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_instructions_to_write_a_procedure

Sample Procedure Melting Ice cubes Put two identical bowls on the counter. Take two ice cubes out of the freezer and place one in each bowl. Break one of the ice cubes into smaller pieces that are no larger than 1/4 the size of the whole ice cube. Time how long it takes for all the ice to melt.

Why procedures? Documenting the procedures of your laboratory experiment is important not only so that others can repeat your results but also so that you can replicate the work later, if the need arises. http://www.writing.engr.psu.edu/workbooks/laboratory.html#procedureContainer

Lego Procedure Vocabulary Place Put Connect Flip Turn