INDIVIDUAL

INVESTIGATION

IBDP – GRADE 12 GROUP 4 SCIENCES

 INTERNAL ASSESSMENT COMPONENT

 INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION

 SIX TO TWELVE PAGES LONG

 PRIMARY SOURCES - HANDS ON PRACTICAL WORK OR

SECONDARY SOURCES - DATA BASES AND SIMULATIONS OR A
HYBRID OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES.

 DURATION – 10 HOURS

 WEIGHTING – 20%

 SAME ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR SL AND HL

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

CRITERIA MARKS PERCENTAGE

Personal
2 8%
Engagement
Exploration 6 25%
25%
Analysis 6

25%
Evaluation 6

Communication 4 4%

Total 24 100%
 CHOOSING A TOPIC
 Something that interests you personally.
 A science-based news item: an article in a
newspaper, magazine, TV channel.
 What do I need to keep in mind while selecting a
topic?
 Is it possible to do an experiment on the topic?
 Does the experiment lend itself to repeats?
 Is it possible to get sufficient information on the topic?
 Are there plenty of secondary sources to work on?

 Avoid general titles, such as ‘global warming’ that

are too broad.
 LITERATURE REVIEW
 You need to go beyond the first few websites that
appear on a Google search.
 Use smart search options. Avoid using single
words or general phrases.
 Enclose accurate phrases linked to the title of your
report in double quote marks.
 For alternatives use ‘or’ between the phrases.
 Beware of simple question-and-answer websites
 Collect at least 6-8 good sources of information
related to your topic and other sites as well.
IDENTIFYING A RESEARCH QUESTION

 What is your independent variable? (the one you

change)
 What is your dependent variable? (the one you
measure)
 What are your controlled variables? (the ones you
keep same throughout the experiment).
 Link the dependent and independent variables to
come up with your research question.
 Focus the research question well so that you know
what you will change and what you will measure
DEVELOPING A WORKING METHOD

 Do pilot experiments to see if your research question

yields any valid results.
 Modify the experiment if need be.
 Does the method show awareness of safety, ethical
and environmental issues?
 Identify the areas which need improvement.
 How to make solutions?
 How to use scientific equipment? Data loggers etc.
 Collect the data while maintaining the same conditions
through out the completion of the experiment.
 WRITING THE REPORT
 Presentation is clear
 Report is well structured
 Report is relevant and concise
 Subject-specific terminology and conventions are used.
 Tables have no errors and omissions
 Graphs and images have labels
 SI units used with correct number of decimal places
 Referencing and citations
 Page numbers have been included
 NO TITLE PAGE and INDEX PAGE required.
 Six to twelve pages long including images, graphs and tables.
 page limit is 12 without bibliography.
FORMAT OF THE REPORT
Title
Introduction
Research Question
Hypothesis
Variables
Methodology
Data collection and processing
Analysis
Conclusion
Evaluation
 Title (a brief title connecting the IV and DV)
 Introduction (Identify the topic of the investigation with relevant background
information and justify why you chose this topic)
 Research question (very focused and clearly described)

 Hypothesis (that predicts a possible outcome based on a rational explanation)

hypothesis is not a requirement but they include it they have to evaluate it in the
conclusion.
 Variables (all relevant variables correctly identified)
 Methodology (highly appropriate and takes into account all the significant factors
that may influence reliability and sufficiency of collected data)
 Data collection and processing (accurate tables with appropriate titles, units and
uncertainties of sufficient and relevant quantitative and qualitative raw data. Suitable
formula applied and data processed accurately to enable a suitable conclusion to be
drawn. Processed data is represented in a suitable graphical format.)
 Analysis (The processed data is interpreted correctly to allow a detailed and valid
conclusion to be drawn. Measurement uncertainty is discussed)
 Evaluation (Detailed conclusion is described and justified that is fully supported by
the data presented. Strengths and weaknesses of the investigation such as
limitations of data and sources of error are discussed. Realistic and relevant
suggestions for improvement and extension of the investigation are identified)
After Spring break…
 Please meet your teacher and give him/her your Research
Question.
 No more than 2 students can do the experiment on the same
topic.
 Once your teacher approves your RQ, fill in the requisition form
for the chemicals and equipment. ( Form enclosed ) Remember
chemical have to be ordered and take a long time to be delivered.
 The last 2 weeks of June, this year , you will be doing your
experiments in the lab and gathering data.
 The first draft of your IA is due when you come back after your
summer holidays in Y 13.