Report a bug on DIY

What can I substitute if the project's instructions require a hard-to-find material (like a specific paint or special glue)?

If a project asks for a hard-to-find material, use a safe common substitute (for example, white school glue for craft glue or poster paint for a brand of paint), note that substitution when you 'Set up the project's materials exactly the way the instructions say', and record the swap in your notebook so the bug report shows the difference.

If a step fails and the project breaks, what should I do to make a clear bug report?

When a step fails, stop and 'Take clear photos of the project at important moments and any problem you see', write the exact action you took in your notebook, repeat the same step one or two more times to confirm the issue, and attach those photos and matching notes to the bug report pointing to which photo shows the problem.

How can I adapt the testing task for younger children or older kids?

For younger kids, 'Ask an adult to help and watch while you do the testing', turn 'Write the exact steps you followed in your notebook' into a simple checklist and have the adult take the photos, while older kids can work independently, repeat the project to verify the bug, and write the suggested fixes themselves to include in the report.

How can we extend or personalize the bug report activity to make it more useful or creative?

To extend the activity, try one of your 'one or two clear fixes or improvements' and document the before-and-after with labeled photos or a short video, add measurements or notes about materials, and then 'Share your finished bug report with photos on DIY.org'.