Skill: scienceworld-measurement-taker

Purpose

Measure a quantitative property of a target object or substance in the ScienceWorld environment using the appropriate measurement tool, then interpret the result for subsequent decision-making.

When to Use

• When a task requires obtaining a numerical reading (temperature, weight, pH) from an object or substance
• When a measured value determines a conditional next action (e.g., classify based on temperature threshold)
• When the agent needs to compare properties across multiple objects

Workflow

1. Identify and acquire the tool -- Locate the correct measurement instrument (e.g., thermometer, scale) and pick up the tool.
2. Focus on the tool -- Execute focus on [TOOL] in inventory to confirm readiness.
3. Identify and acquire the target -- Locate the target object or substance and pick up the target.
4. Focus on the target -- Execute focus on [TARGET] in inventory to confirm readiness.
5. Position for follow-up -- If the task requires a follow-up action (e.g., placing in a bin), teleport to the appropriate location before measuring.
6. Execute measurement -- Use the tool on the target: use [TOOL] on [TARGET].
7. Interpret and act -- Read the numerical result and execute the appropriate conditional action.

Examples

Example 1: Measure temperature and classify

> teleport to kitchen
You teleport to the kitchen.

> pick up thermometer
You pick up the thermometer.

> focus on thermometer in inventory
You focus on the thermometer.

> pick up unknown substance B
You pick up the unknown substance B.

> focus on unknown substance B in inventory
You focus on the unknown substance B.

> teleport to hallway
You teleport to the hallway.

> use thermometer on unknown substance B
The thermometer measures a temperature of 56 degrees celsius.

> move unknown substance B to orange box
You move the unknown substance B to the orange box.

Example 2: Measure and compare two objects

> use thermometer on metal fork
The thermometer measures a temperature of 23 degrees celsius.

> use thermometer on glass cup
The thermometer measures a temperature of 87 degrees celsius.

The glass cup (87) is hotter than the metal fork (23).

Key Principles

• Tool first -- Secure the measurement tool before handling the target.
• Focus before use -- Always focus on both tool and target in inventory before measuring.
• Plan ahead -- Identify where follow-up actions occur and position accordingly before measuring.
• Map thresholds -- Clarify decision thresholds (e.g., "above 100.0" vs. "below 100.0") before executing the measurement.