Brainstorm

Picture a desk. It has a metal frame with four legs and the rectangular surface of the desk (or desktop) is made of wood. Now imagine you were asked to assemble or disassemble this desk. Where would you start? Is there something that you could use to help you complete this task?

Instruction guides

An example of a guide that people can use to set up, assemble, or build things is an instruction guide. Sometimes they are called instruction manuals. An instruction guide is an example of an informational text. The general purpose of an instruction guide is to help a user get to know a specific product and how to use it. It can also guide a user through a number of step-by-step instructions that will lead to the completion of a task. A printed or digital guide includes step-by-step instructions that are often accompanied by a series of labelled diagrams. That said, guides come in different formats including audio and video. Have you ever used an audio user guide or a video user guide?

Instruction guide examples

Instruction guide elements

What elements do instruction or user guides have in common?

An example of a guide is a safety instruction guide. For example, airplane staff provide passengers with safety guides. The guide uses illustrations to provide the passenger with step-by-step instructions to follow in case of an emergency.

Explore the Internet for more instruction guides. Find various types, and make a list of the elements of an instruction guide.

Press the ‘Instruction Guide Elements’ to access the elements of an instruction guide.

Instruction Guide Elements

Task 2: Science manual

Explore the following video. Select one structure that Phil, from Science Max, builds and brainstorm how to create an instruction guide for it.

Consider the following questions:

• What is the structure?
• What materials are required to create the structure?
• What are the steps needed to complete the structure (e.g. beginning, middle, end)

You may record your ideas using a method of your choice.

Create your own instruction guide

Create an instruction guide for anything you like! Be sure to include an introduction, step-by-step instructions, and a conclusion.

Your guide should include a short introduction that helps the user familiarize themselves with whatever they are going to build (e.g. a table) or follow (e.g. board game instructions). The introduction also should provide the user with the materials they need.

For example, if you are going to create an instruction guide for an elastic-band motor, you could include a short description that includes information about what the elastic-band motor is and how it works:

Example: “Create an elastic-band racer using household objects and explore how forces are stored and used to move toys! You will need:

• a rubber band
• spool
• paper clips
• tape
• metal washer
• cotton swab

Let’s get started!”

Next, guide the user through a set of sequential step-by-step instructions.

Example: “Step 1: Start by pulling the rubber band through the spool.”

Finally, include a short conclusion. This is the part of your instruction guide where you can provide the user with suggestions for how to use what they have assembled, built, or made.

Example: “Once you have created your elastic-band motor, you can race using your motor or explore ways to modify and improve their design.”

Be sure to include the following elements in your instruction guide:

• a title and headings
• the purpose of your guide
• graphic elements and/or diagrams (if needed)
• clear, step-by-step instructions

You may create your guide using a method of your choice.

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, text-to-speech, or writing tool.