In the natural sciences, the essential criterion for a methods section is that it must enable people to replicate the work performed, allowing them to verify the results or further develop the same line of research. Therefore, the reader needs a clear explanation of the sequence of actions taken. When writing your methods section, use the past tense to describe what you did in chronological order.

In relation to your methods, you may find it useful to try to answer the five Ws (see also General guidelines): what (meaning the materials and techniques); where (for example, in a lab designed for your purpose, or perhaps in a location that may have had an unwanted influence on your outcome); when (how long each process took, the time lapse between each stage); why (for example, why one method rather than another); and who (for example, people whose techniques you replicated, or participants involved in tests).