IBDP ESS SL IA

ESS IA Report Template

Title of Experiment
Date:
Name:

1. AIM/RESEARCH QUESTION
(CTX: Aspect 1) “States a relevant, coherent and focused research question. The topic of the investigation is identified
and a relevant and fully focused research question is clearly described”

2. THEORY/BACKGROUND INFORMATION
(CTX: Aspect 2) “Discusses a relevant environmental issue (either local or global) that provides the context for the
research question”
(CTX: Aspect 3) “Explains the connections between the environmental issue (either local or global) and the research
question.”

3. HYPOTHESIS
Formulate a hypothesis to predict the outcome of the experiment and explain it using logical scientific reasoning. E.g. An
increase in length of the string will alter the speed of the pendulum.

4. VARIABLES
(PLA: Aspect 1) “Designs a repeatable* method appropriate to the research question that allows for the collection of
sufficient relevant data”

Independent Variable How will it be manipulated How will the IV be controlled

(manipulated/changing factor)

Dependent Variable How will it be measured (method) How will it be measured in a

(What will be measured) consistent, controlled manner

Controlled Variable How will it be controlled How would this variable affect the
(external variables that need to be data if NOT controlled
kept constant in each trial)

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5. MATERIALS/APPARATUS AND DIAGRAM

List apparatus and materials you intend to use. Draw a labeled diagram to show how you will set up your apparatus.

6. METHOD
(PLA: Aspect 1) “Designs a repeatable* method appropriate to the research question that allows for the collection of
sufficient relevant data”
(PLA: Aspect 2) “Justifies the choice of sampling strategy used”
(PLA: Aspect 3) “Describes the risk assessment and ethical considerations where applicable”

7. DATA COLLECTION
(RAC: Aspect 1) “Constructs diagrams, charts or graphs of all relevant quantitative and/or qualitative data
appropriately”

8. DATA PROCESSING
(RAC: Aspect 1) “Constructs diagrams, charts or graphs of all relevant quantitative and/or qualitative data
appropriately”
(RAC: Aspect 2) “Analyses the data correctly and completely so that all relevant patterns are displayed”

9. ANALYSIS
(RAC: Aspect 2) “Constructs diagrams, charts or graphs of all relevant quantitative and/or qualitative data appropriately”
(RAC: Aspect 3) Interprets trends, patterns or relationships in the data, so that a valid conclusion to the research
“

question is deduced.”

10. CONCLUSION
(RAC: Aspect 3) Interprets trends, patterns or relationships in the data, so that a valid conclusion to the research
“

question is deduced.”

Trend identified in data Conclusion the trend leads to Data (numbers from graph) to
support conclusion

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11. EVALUATION
(DEV: Aspect 1) “Evaluates the conclusion in the context of the environmental issue”
(DEV: Aspect 2) “Discusses strengths, weaknesses and limitations within the method used”

Strengths How did it assist your lab to get good results?

Weakness/Limitation How did it affect your lab to get poor results?

12. IMPROVEMENTS
(DEV: Aspect 3) “Suggests modifications addressing one or more significant weaknesses with large effect and further
areas of research.

13. APPLICATION
(APP: Aspect 1) “Justifies one potential application and/or solution to the environmental issue that has been discussed
in the context, based on the findings of the study”
(APP: Aspect 2) “Evaluates relevant strengths, weaknesses and limitations of this solution.

14. COMMUNICATION
(COM: Aspect 1) “The report is well-structured and well-organized.”
(COM: Aspect 2) “The report makes consistent use of appropriate terminology and is concise.”
(COM: Aspect 3) “The report is logical and coherent.”