MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY
A technical manual is a document that explains how to do something or how something works. In “Earth and Space,” the astronauts used technical manuals to use the equipment and tools on the space station. Now create a technical manual of your own.
1 Choose Your Process With a partner, list tasks that would need instructions, for example, how to program a VCR, how to use a camera, or how to change a flat bicycle tire.
2 Research Steps in the Process Use books, magazines, or the Internet to find out what steps are involved in the process. Write each step on a separate note card.
3 Organize the Information Put the steps on the note cards in the order in which they happen. Organize the steps in groups. Use these groups to organize the information in a flow chart.
4 Create a Manual Using your flow chart as a guide, write the sections of your technical manual. Briefly explain every step in the process. Add diagrams or photos to illustrate the different steps.
See examples of technical manuals.
Internet InsideNG.com5 Share Your Manual Share your manual with your classmates. Ask them to rate how well you explained the process. Do they understand the different steps? Would they be able to do what you’re describing?
A technical manual can explain how to change a tire.