Command form, or in past tense?

[methionine]

Hi all,
I have a last-minute question-- when you write the procedure on the presentation board, would you want to write it in command form (in a list), or in past tense ("X was performed to ___," etc.)? Or does this just not matter? My teacher suggested that I write it in command form and drastically shorten my procedure, but I'm afraid that it makes my presentation board look childish. Could you suggest any word count limit for a high school project (around states level)? Thank you!

-M

[Louise]

Hi all,
I have a last-minute question-- when you write the procedure on the presentation board, would you want to write it in command form (in a list), or in past tense ("X was performed to ___," etc.)? Or does this just not matter? My teacher suggested that I write it in command form and drastically shorten my procedure, but I'm afraid that it makes my presentation board look childish. Could you suggest any word count limit for a high school project (around states level)? Thank you!

-M

Well, generally if your teacher suggests something, it is a good idea to listen.

Judges are not going to have time to read your board in detail. If you can present the procedure as a list, then it will be much easier for them (the judges) to figure out what you did in a 30 second glance at the board.

Louise

[tdaly]

I would HIGHLY reccomend using a list. The judges don't want to know every nitty gritty detail about what you did. They want to know the gist of how you went about doing your project. If they have a concern with some of your procedures, they will ask you during the interview.

I would reccomend not exceeding a two-page methods section (includes materials and procedures) in a size 20 font.