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I came up with this very simple diagram to help you start you IA...
I came up with this very simple diagram to help you start you IA...
Questions? Please send me an email!
Questions? Please send me an email!
How do I make a relevant RQ in IB Biology?
How do I make a relevant RQ in IB Biology?
There are 3 common ways to find a RQ:
There are 3 common ways to find a RQ:
From a concept - think about some of the main concepts you learned in this course, such as: diffusion, osmosis, surface area, biomolecules as components of living organisms, energy storage in biomolecules, energy conversions in organisms, differential light absorption, organism growth, inheritance, mutations, ecosystems, adaptations, nutrient absorption/assimilation, homeostasis, gas exchange, etc... What are you most interested in? What could you investigate? What variables could you choose?
From an apparatus: Think about all the possible things that you can measure using your phone, your computer, your own sense organs or a lab probe... what can I test measuring each apparatus? What I am interested in measuring?
From a pre-existing experiment: We've done quite a few experiments and there are many more available online that you can find... You would need to modify the experiment to find out some information that is relevant to you. BE CAREFUL: an important part of the IA is your personal engagement, so picking an already made experiment may affect the "creativity" value of your experiment.
Seeking for approval - Your RQ must be approved before you start your IA!
Seeking for approval - Your RQ must be approved before you start your IA!
Important to consider before you present your IA idea:
Important to consider before you present your IA idea:
Two variables measured/examined
Two variables measured/examined
Only bivariate analysis allowed. Limit your experiment to make it simple but very well done. Very sophisticated ideas and crazy complicated experiments are absolutely not recommended: keep it simple and do good science. You will test the effect on one IV on one DV. The rest of the variables that affect the DV should be kept constant (CV) or designated as Uncontrolled variables (and discussed in the evaluation).
Enough data
Enough data
A minimum of 25 measurements is required (counting seeds is NOT a measurement). When you plan your investigation attempt to have at least 5 treatments for the IV and NO LESS that 5 trials per treatment. Trials are specially important because they directly affect the reliability of the experiment. No standard deviation should be calculated with less than 5 values, so it is better to have more trials in case your data contain some outliers.
Guiding questions
Guiding questions
Before you present your proposal, think on the following questions to guide your research:
1. Why did you choose this topic? What is your personal engagement with this topic? Why are you interested in testing this?
2. Why did you choose that organism? Any reason to study that particular organism?
3. How will you measure the your dependent variable? What units and uncertainties will your raw data have?
4. Why did you choose that independent variable? How will you measure it and how will you administer to your organism? Are you sure that it will affect your dependent variable? Why? How? What effect do you expect? How long will it take to observe the effect? Is the effect lasting? Is it reversible? Is it harmful to the organism?
5. How many trials will you run? For how long? How will maintain a fair experiment that allow comparison of results? What constant variables will you need to maintain?
The design of the IA should aim to collect AT LEAST 25 data points (5 treatments and 5 trials per treatment). The more trials you do, the better.
The design of the IA should aim to collect AT LEAST 25 data points (5 treatments and 5 trials per treatment). The more trials you do, the better.
IA equipment and chemicals request
IA equipment and chemicals request
You will be required to complete a form with a list of the materials and chemicals that you plan to use for your IA. Be aware that there will be many students doing experiments at the same time and that the materials are limited... list ONLY the materials that you need. If you are unsure if we have or we don't have something, please ask.
The IA final report should take between 10 and 12 pages. Usually 3-4 are needed for Exploration, 2-3 for analysis and 3-4 for evaluation. Longer reports tend to lack conciseness and are penalized in the "communication" criteria of the IA rubric. It's better short and concise that long and wordy.
The IA final report should take between 10 and 12 pages. Usually 3-4 are needed for Exploration, 2-3 for analysis and 3-4 for evaluation. Longer reports tend to lack conciseness and are penalized in the "communication" criteria of the IA rubric. It's better short and concise that long and wordy.
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