Following Multi-Step Procedures
Follow a written multi-step procedure precisely when carrying out experiments, taking measurements or performing technical tasks: read the whole procedure first, work through the steps in order, and notice when a result signals a missed step
What a learner can do afterwards
- Carry out a science experiment by following the written method step by step without skipping ahead
- Follow technical instructions exactly (e.g. assembling a model or setting up software from a written guide)
- Spot when a result does not match what the instructions predicted and retrace the steps to find the error
The lesson
A written procedure is a list of steps in a fixed order. Before you touch any equipment, read the whole thing once, start to finish. That way you know what materials you need and what result to expect, so nothing near the end catches you off guard.
Priya is testing how fast ice melts in salt water. Her method has five steps. She reads all five before starting, then follows them in order: fill the cups, add the salt, stir, and only then start timing. If she started the timer before adding the salt, her result would be wrong.
The same rule applies to building a model kit or setting up an app from a written guide. Skipping ahead because a later step looks easier usually means going back and undoing work. Check off each step as you finish it.
If your result does not match what the instructions said would happen, do not just guess again. Go back through your steps in order and find the one you missed or did differently.
Read every step first, follow them in the order they're written, and if a result looks wrong, retrace your steps to find what you missed.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
This opens up
Nothing builds on it yet.
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.