IA ideas

Thermodynamics

Investigate the energy content of food.

Operation Wallacea

Use data sets available on a range of topics here (see Miss Jane for the actual data)

Solid human waste

Investigate the nature and volume of litter found in specific locations e.g. different beaches around Singapore's coastline.

Lincoln index

Investigate the factors affecting the accuracy of estimates made using the Lincoln index (capture–mark–release–recapture).

Indicator organisms

Investigate aquatic, terrestrial or air pollution through the use of the presence or absence of indicator organisms (for example, lichens, mayflies).

Photosynthesis

Investigate the effect of one factor of your choice on photosynthetic rates of Elodea.

Zonation

Investigate the presence or absence of zonation patterns in a specific ecosystem eg mangroves

Productivity

Investigate changes in productivity in different habitats of an ecosystem that you have visited.

Environmental gradient

Use a sampling method to quantify the pattern and measure changes in an abiotic factor that is considered responsible for the gradient.

Population growth curves

Design an investigation that will look at a limiting factor on plant, animal or fungi growth (for example, flour weevils, duckweed (Lemna), yeast).

Succession

Investigate succession in an ecosystem of your choice. You could use your sampling skills to determine if the differences seen can be attributed to succession by comparing findings with literature regarding species expected in the area.

Soil

Plan an investigation into one aspect of soil e.g. compaction, soil conditioners, wind reduction techniques or cultivation techniques.

Erosion due to run-off

Plan and carry out an investigation into the factors that affect sediment load in run-off.

Diversity indices

Investigate differences in diversity for two or more different habitats.

Rate of decomposition

Investigate factors which affect rates of decomposition e.g. type of material, level of pollution, light intensity, soil type, temperature, amount of moisture.

Acid rain

Design an experiment to measure the effect of acid rain on either plants or building materials.

Water pollution and aquatic plant growth

Investigate the growth of names aquatic plants over time, given different conditions e.g. water type or a pollutant common in water bodies—oil, heavy metals, pesticides and fertilizers.

Ultraviolet radiation

Design an experiment to look at the effects of ultraviolet radiation on plants or materials e.g. rubber, plastic.

Global issues

Investigate how individual and group perception of global issues differ and the factors which affecting this.

Population dynamics

Compare and contrast specific factors relating to populations at differing levels of development

Water abiotic characteristics

Investigate the correlation between two variables e.g. temperature and dissolved oxygen.