IBDP ESS SL IA

Investigations Suitable for Planning, some DCP and DEC

The titles below are general to give candidates a sense of direction, but they are not
sufficiently specific to serve as a research question. The candidate will have to modify
the title to make it more specific and focused. In most cases, this will involve indicating
the variable(s) chosen for investigation.
In order to make these labs into DCP or DEC labs, you will need to do some design of
the lab yourself. This means a research question, variables named, and a brief
procedure. You will then be marked on the DCP or DEC aspects, not on the Planning
aspects.
1. Lincoln index
Investigate the factors affecting the accuracy of estimates made using the
Lincoln index (capture–release–recapture).
1. Indicator organisms
Investigate aquatic/terrestrial/air pollution in your city/town/college through the
use of presence/absence of indicator organisms (lichens, mayflies, etc).
2. Photosynthesis
Investigate the effect of one factor of your choice on photosynthetic rates of
Elodea. The teacher may give the general set up for gathering the rate of
photosynthesis. The student can then be assessed on the design of the factor to
be changed.
3. Zonation
After a preliminary field visit to a particular ecosystem, investigate
presence/absence of zonation patterns.
4. Productivity
Investigate changes in productivity in different habitats of an ecosystem you have
visited. Measurements of productivity may have been taught by the teacher. The
planning criterion can be assessed by the application of the techniques to the
habitats.
5. Environmental gradient
Use a sampling method to quantify the pattern and measure changes in an
abiotic factor that you consider responsible for the gradient.
6. Population growth curves
Design an investigation that will look at a limiting factor on plant, animal or fungi
growth (flour weevils, duckweed – Lemna, yeast.
7. Succession
Investigate succession in an ecosystem of your choice. Candidates could use their
sampling skills to determine if differences seen can be attributed to succession by
comparing findings with literature regarding species expected in the area.
Note: This is only practical for schools that may be near abandoned fields, or
have access to fields whose history of clearing is known.
8. Soil
Plan an investigation into one of these aspects of soil: compaction; soil
conditioners; wind reduction techniques and cultivation techniques.
9. Erosion due to run-off
Plan and carry out an investigation into the factors that affect sediment load in
run-off.
10. Diversity indices
Investigate differences in diversity for two or more different habitats.
11. Rate of decomposition
 IBDP ESS SL IA
Choose one of the following areas to investigate. A) type of material b) level of
pollution c) soil type d) temperature e) amount of moisture
12. Acid rain
Design an experiment to measure the effect of acid rain on either plants or
building materials.
13. Water pollution and Lemna growth
Investigate the growth of duckweed (Lemna) over time, given different
conditions. Suggestions of water type or a pollutant common in water bodies –
oil, heavy metals, pesticides and fertilizers.
14. UV radiation
Design an experiment to look at the effects of u. v. radiation on plants or
materials (rubber, glass, plastic, etc.)