Writing a Procedure Lesson Plan
Virtual Science Fair Unit
Lesson 4
Writing the Procedure
Targeted Learners:
Middle school students
Subject:
Science – Investigation and experimentation
Time Allotted:
Approximately 45 minutes
Description of Lesson:
In this lesson, learners will participate in a self-guided, independent learning activity
available online. Students will learn about the importance of using details when
writing a procedure and how to plan for data collection.
California State Science Standards – Investigation and Experimentation:
8.9.a. Plan and conduct a scientific investigation to test a hypothesis.
Instructional Objectives:
1. Students will correctly identify 5 key details in a well-written procedure.
2. Students will identify at least 4 of 5 possible areas to add details to a poorly
written procedure.
3. Students will write their own procedure with adequate details as measured by the
Procedures column of the Science Fair Rubric.
Instructional Procedures:
Lesson Set: When students visit the webpage for this lesson, they will first see the
instructional image showing two sets of instructions for making a peanut butter and
jelly sandwich. One set is well written, and the other set lacks details. Students will
consider why the incorrect sandwich was the result of poor instructions, and
compare the two procedures to identify what improved the directions.
Techniques and Activities:
 Activity 1: Students will read about the different types of variables and the
importance of having only one variable in an experiment. They will be asked
to identify variable types in an experiment. Each question is linked to an
explanation of the answer.
 Activity 2: Students will review textual information about the purpose of the
procedure, why details are important, and how to begin writing the procedure.
Students will then read a procedure that has no detail and identify areas to
improve each step.
 Activity 3: Students will look at a great procedure and identify what details
were important to make sure the experiment was reproducible. Students will
be asked to focus on measurements, variables, and time frames.
 Activity 4: Students will write their own procedure for their science fair
experiment, or directions for making their favorite food or art project.
Lesson Closure: Student is instructed to carry out steps in their own procedure,
and then ask a peer or adult in the home to try to reproduce the results by following
the procedure exactly. The student will reflect on the activity and evaluate the
effectiveness of their procedure.
Adaptations for Special Learners:
Because this is an independent activity intended for use by independent study
virtual students, their learning coaches at home will meet many of the needs of
special learners. The learning coach will make physical accommodations.
Students who need additional support with reading should use the support of a peer
or learning coach. Students are encouraged to work with a partner during
synchronous class time, where they can get peer feedback and support in writing a
detailed procedure.
Supplemental Activities:
The following web pages and videos will be linked for enrichment and remediation.
Science Buddies: Learn about the different types of variables. Examples of each
are provided.
Scientific Variables Cartoon: Learn all about scientific variables with a teacher and
his student! This fun cartoon makes identifying variables easy!
Lego Activity – Writing a procedure: Build a Lego structure and then write a detailed
procedure so that a peer can build the same structure.
Science Buddies – Writing the procedure: Simple explanation for how to write a
procedure.
University of Minnesota: Dig a little deeper into the scientific method. Learn how to
write an awesome, college level scientific procedure.
Stick Figure Procedures: In this fun video, the importance of accurate, detailed
procedures are emphasized as students try to mimic the position of a stick figure.
Evaluation Activities:
Because learners will be working independently at home online, this lesson utilizes
informal self-evaluation and peer review. Students are asked to reference the
science fair rubric (the Procedure column is below for reference) to evaluate their
own procedures, and each activity has a “self-check” link where students can check
their answers and receive explanations for each correct answer. Students are also
asked to consult with a learning coach for feedback.
Rubric for the Procedure (excerpted from the complete Science Fair Rubric for
grades 6-8):
4 Points
Procedure was outlined in a step-by-step fashion that could be
followed by anyone without additional explanations.
3 Points
Procedure was outlined in a step-by-step fashion, but had 1 or 2 gaps
that require explanation.
2 Points
Procedure was missing several steps making it difficult to follow.
1 Point
Procedure was missing or not sequential.
Learner Product:
After completing this lesson, students will have a complete and detailed procedure.
This will either be for their actual science fair project, or something they create to
practice writing a procedure.