Procedure Writing 101

     Today we practiced writing a procedure from an investigative question.  It was difficult for most and not perfected by many.  The key things to include are: gather materials, record data, multiple trials, independent variable, dependent variable, controlled variable, logical numbered steps.  You must test each value for your independent variable 3 times.  So, you would end up doing three different values for your independent value, thus 3 times 3 is 9 total trials.  

Below is an example of a procedure written correctly.  It is written from the investigative question:  How does the volume of the wood affect its density?

1. Gather materials.
2. Using a metric ruler, measure the volume of the small piece of Cherry wood. (cm3)
3. Record volume.
4. Using a digital scale, measure the mass of the small piece of Cherry wood. (g)
5. Record mass.
6. Calculate density.  (d=m/v)
7. Record data onto data table.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 two more times.
9. Repeat steps 2-8 with medium piece of Oak wood.

10. Repeat steps 2-8 with large piece of Bubinga wood.