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.