Beginning of the year lab activity

This activity is a great beginning of the year lesson to teach students the importance of following directions. There are two components to this activity: 1) Students will complete the “classic” directions-following worksheet where they have to write down their name (and that’s it) and, 2) Students will write down instructions on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and then the instructor (or possibly another student) will attempt to make it using only their instructions. If it is not written down, you don’t do it. For example, if the instructions say, “Grab a spoon,” then the person only grabs the spoon, possibly on the ladle part and not the handle. Yes, this lab is usually good for a few laughs—but it makes the point.