IB Physics IA

Structure
SUMMARY GUIDE

This summary guide will give you tried-and-tested guidance on what

subtitles to use and what to include in each section. If you are looking for
extra help with all aspects of IB Physics, consider my #1 online course

Ace Your IB Physics Exams is a proven step-

by-step system to find out EXACTLY which
concepts to concentrate on, how to apply
those concepts to exam questions & produce
a PERFECT Physics IA... OR YOUR MONEY
BACK!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

I can help you. Let’s do this!

“I've been teaching IB Physics since 2004 and
these are the exact subtitles I've taught
thousands of students worldwide, both online
and in class. The IB Physics IA does not have to
be hard! You simply have to follow a series of
simple steps and overcome overwhelm.” -
SALLY WEATHERLY

LET'S WALK THROUGH THOSE SUBTITLES

THE EXACT STRUCTURE AND
SUBTITLES YOU SHOULD USE
IN YOUR IA

Once you've collected your data for your IB Physics IA - you're going to have to complete
your report and write it up.....

Follow the EXACT structure of subheadings that I list below and you'll increase your
chances of obtaining full marks in your internal assessment for IB Physics.

1.Introduction
2.Research Question
3.Theory and Hypothesis
4.Variables
5.Diagram
6.Apparatus
7.Method
8.Raw Data
9.Processed Data
10.Graph
11.Analysis and Conclusion
12.Evaluation
13.References

This can be a pretty daunting prospect, but have no fear, below I'll give you a brief
explanation on how to tackle each sub-section.

"YOUR PHYSICS IA DOES NOT NEED A TITLE PAGE. JUST INCLUDE

THE RESEARCH QUESTION AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.”
- SALLY WEATHERLY

1. INTRODUCTION

After your title, you should include your introduction. It should be brief and to the point.
Many students believe that the introduction explaining your "passion" about your topic is
where you will be awarded Personal Engagement marks (2/24). That's not true. Pleased
don't write hundreds of words here. Just give a brief introduction into the thought process
behind choosing this topic.
If you really don't know what to write, you can watch over my shoulder (almost literally!) as
I write an introduction from scratch and give you the exact formula to follow when writing
your introduction. Step-by-Step Guide to Writing You Physics IA more information here
(NOTE: this is a paid course)

2. RESEARCH QUESTION

The separate subtitle of "Research Question" will focus the examiner on what exactly your
are going to investigate and will set the scene for the clarity of your investigation. It is
important you spend some time ensuring your research questions is clear, focussed and
actually will produce some useable results!

See the start of this guide for lots of help in choosing your research question.

3. THEORY AND HYPOTHESIS

This section is where you discuss the physics theory behind your research question, which
ultimately allows you to formulate an educated hypothesis on what is likely to happen with
your results. This part of your investigation can be really tricky. It's important that you get
the correct physics background and theory, as your hypothesis (and ultimately your
conclusion and evaluation) will be based upon it.

You should include a hypothesis and should predict what will happen to your dependent
variable (Variable Y) when you change your independent variable (Variable X). It should
predict a mathematical relationship - if possible. A sketched of the predicted graph is
recommended.

4. VARIABLES

In this section, write down explicitly what your variables are:

Independent Variable: the variable you are changing, Variable X

Dependent Variable: the variable that changes as a result of the independent variable
being changed, Variable Y
Control Variables: everything you need to keep constant to ensure a fair test.

5. DIAGRAM

You should include a labelled diagram of your apparatus. I recommend you use Google
Drawings to create this diagram (just google "Google Drawings").

The diagram should be simple but clearly show how to set up the apparatus.
6. APPARATUS

This should be a bullet point list of apparatus needed. Don't go into too much detail
here. A simple and quick list is fine.

7. METHOD

Again I recommend you have a simple list of numbered bullet points here - no more than
ten bullet points!

Add any points about safety in this section.

"YOU DON'T NEED TO INCLUDE THINGS LIKE, "SET UP THE

APPARATUS" OR "COLLECT THE SELLOTAPE". TREAT THE READER
LIKE THEY ARE INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO LOOK AT THE APPARATUS
AND THE DIAGRAM TO SET IT UP THEMSELVES FROM THAT!"
- SALLY WEATHERLY

8. RAW DATA

You'll include a data table here.

DO only include the data you collected during the experiment (or simulation).
DON'T include processing of data (e.g. averaging, squaring, processed uncertainties,
etc).
DO include the reading error on the apparatus If you need to justify the reading error
on the apparatus, just write a short sentence underneath the raw data table.

"YOUR IA SHOULD NOT INCLUDE APPENDICES. DON'T INCLUDE

SCREEDS OF DATA IN THE APPENDIX. YOU NEED TO FIND A WAY OF
REPRESENTING YOUR RAW DATA CLEARLY AND CONCISELY."
SALLY WEATHERLY
9. PROCESSED DATA

This section will include a separate data table. You'll show your processed data table here.
You may need to calculate averages, combine uncertainties and further manipulate data.

Remember to include the correct labels and units in each column of the table.
Underneath the processed data table, you should give an example of any calculations you
have made.

10. GRAPH

Your graph does not have to be processed on the computer. If you are struggling with using
particular software, you can just draw the graph on graph paper. The examiner doesn't
mind!

However, graphing software can be useful for finding:

The best line of fit for the data points
The mathematical relationship between your two variables
The numerical value of gradient
The numerical value of intercept
The correlation coefficient
It's also easier to draw error bars and your max/min line using graphing software.

You should generally be looking to plot a straight line graph and you may need to
manipulate your data to achieve that.
This graph shows all the features you should try to include:

11. ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION

This is where you analyse the quality of your data and form a conclusion based on what
your graph shows.

You should try to include the following:

A brief recap of your hypothesis
Describe the pattern or trend shown on the graph
Comment if the line of best fit goes through the origin - did you expect it to?
Relate the trend shown back to you hypothesis - does it match?
The uncertainty in the gradient gives you an idea of reliability of your results and how
precise they are?
Comment on the spread of points around the line of best fit for an indication of
reliability of results.
Are there any anomalies? Circle them on the graph and comment.
Can you calculate a quantity from the gradient? (e.g. gravitational field strength,
mass, etc)
Is there a consistent intercept on the y or x axis? If so, this could be an indication of a
systematic error in the experiment.
12. EVALUATION

This is where most students lose steam..... Try to include the following:

Comment upon the design and method of the investigation.

List the weaknesses of the experiment and how significant each
weakness is (aim for three weaknesses)
Directly address each weakness with an improvement.

"IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO WRITE "CARRY OUT MORE TRIALS" OR 'USE A

MORE ACCURATE RULER". THESE WEAKNESSES ARE NOT
SOPHISTICATED ENOUGH!"
SALLY WEATHERLY
 How to get a 7 in IB Physics
SUMMARY GUIDE

WHERE TO GET FURTHER HELP

IB Physics is a daunting course. This guide has taught you invaluable tips on how to
maximise your marks in the IB Physics IA, through using a tried-and-tested structure
of subtitles. What if you need more help with your IA and IB physics exams?

IB PHYSICS TEACHER

You should be able to expect further help from your physics

teacher, but remember that the relationship between student and
teacher is built on respect. Be respectful of their time and prepare
specific questions in advance.

IB PHYSICS TUTOR

Properly qualified tutors are often very expensive and difficult to

find. If you'd like a face-to-face tutor, make sure they have taught
IB Physics before and are fully aware of the intricacies of the IB
Physics specification. Be prepared to pay £50+ per hour....

IB PHYSICS ONLINE COURSE

A high-quality online revision course will offer a series of simple,

short tutorials that help you to quickly master IB Physics, guide
revision and achieve top marks. It will lead you step-by-step
through all the concepts you need to maximise your marks in your
IB Physics exams. An excellent online revision course, will offer
direct access to to the most highly respected professionals in the IB
Physics space.

I believe online revision courses

are the modern way to learn. It
will come as no surprise to find
out that I have an online revision
course for IB Physics...!

LEARN MORE