Williamsclass
Science Fair Guide
Writing the "Procedures / Methods "
 
The procedures are a detailed, step-by-step set of instructions on how to prepare and carry out your experiement. These should be written so that the experiement can be recreated by anyone who picks up your procedures. Write the procedure as you do the steps of a lab. Be very specific; don't assume that the reader knows how much, how many, or how long.

The Procedures should follow these rules:

  1. Label each step with a number or letter.
  2. Write your procedures in a cookbook format
  3. Be very specific with quantities, amounts and the order that things need to be done or completed.

Example of a Procedures / Method list:

  1. Prepare three trays by putting an equal amount of potting soil in each tray. If you are using pans or cookie sheets, spread a layer of gravel on the bottom of the pan before adding the soil. This will allow for drainage since you will be watering all three pans while the grass is growing.
  2. Set Tray 1 aside. In Tray 2, cover the soil with a layer of leaves and grass clippings. In Tray 3, sprinkle grass seed on the top of the soil.
  3. Place the three trays in a place where they are level and have similar light and temperature conditions. (The temperature must be above 50°F (10°C) for the grass to grow.)
  4. Use the sprinkling can to give each tray the same amount of water. Continue watering all three trays approximately every 3 days until the grass in Tray 3 is about .5 inches (1.25 centimeters) tall. This may take one week or longer. You may have to adjust your watering schedule depending on how fast the soil dries. Check the soil daily to see if it looks and feels moist.

Fill in the blanks below to create a quality Procedure / Method list.

Procedures:
1) __________________________________________
2)__________________________________________
3)__________________________________________

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