Skill: scienceworld-tool-validator

Purpose

Perform a pre-use functionality check on a tool or instrument to confirm it is operational before employing it in a critical ScienceWorld task step such as measurement, activation, or connection.

When to Use

• Immediately after acquiring a tool (e.g., pick up thermometer) and before its first use
• When switching to a different tool mid-task and needing to confirm readiness
• When resuming a task after navigation and needing to re-confirm tool availability

Workflow

1. Acquire the tool -- Ensure the target tool is in inventory. If not, locate it with look around and retrieve it with pick up [TOOL].
2. Execute validation -- Run: focus on [TOOL] in inventory.
3. Confirm readiness -- A successful response ("You focus on the [TOOL].") confirms the tool is operational. No further diagnostic steps are needed unless an error is observed.
4. Proceed -- Use the validated tool in the task operation (e.g., use thermometer on [TARGET]).

Examples

Example 1: Validating a thermometer before measurement

> pick up thermometer
You pick up the thermometer.

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

The thermometer is validated. Proceed with measurement:

> use thermometer on unknown substance B
The thermometer measures a temperature of 42 degrees celsius.

Example 2: Validating a scale after teleporting to a new room

> teleport to workshop
You teleport to the workshop.

> pick up scale
You pick up the scale.

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

The scale is validated and ready to weigh objects.

Key Principles

• Timing -- Validate immediately after acquisition, before any task-sensitive operation.
• Simplicity -- The focus on action is the primary, lightweight validation method. Avoid unnecessary examine or use actions during the check.
• State awareness -- Ensure containers are open and items are accessible before attempting to pick up tools. Use teleport to for efficient navigation.