Embedded Files
So you completed a science class.... but, can you actually do science?? If you are in the IB program, the answer should be a resounding, "YES!"
As a student, you will each learn how to function as collaborative cooperative inquiry teams to complete investigations, moving from a teacher guided experience, to an open investigation where you are explorers in the vastness of science. And, be able to share discoveries with the scientific community!
These are the 4 main components of the IA which are evaluated.
How does the IA criteria connect?
The components are part of a scientific flow - an Inquiry design. Evaluation is part of the process, and starts the process, but then connects the design and analysis components, as we reflect back to improve our study. The time spent on evaluating - and the associated documentation - builds to produce a quality conclusion.
Inquiry and the IA Process
If we look deeper, the inquiry process has many small steps, which are connected and contain continual reflection. As children we learn about our five senses: hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, and smelling. These begin the observation stage - which leads to questions, based on these observations. This Wondering is an important evaluation stage that steps us forward. Observing leads to questions, which leads to more observations, which leads to questions, which lead to ...
Predictions.
A prediction is not enough - these predictions need to be rooted in out observations and questions.
As you have grown older, observation and questioning has expanded. Now observation includes online searching, peer review sessions, "Googling" the world, (and hopefully questioning our finds, realizing not everything is as it seems). It involves AI, like "ChatGBT," to find and construct more material for us to observe and question - evaluate prior to making our sound predictions.
Once a prediction contains content and justification, we are inferring or hypothesizing.
It is time to run a test. Research Design has a mechanical and a data component. What equipment will we use, and how (methods) will we use it? What are the metrics and analysis tools we will use? This generally involves a lot of math - tables, plots, equations to produce both qualitative and quantitative data.
A good design produces good data, and so we conduct Data Analysis to evaluate the data with respect to our hypothesis. We also look again at our procedures - the method and materials we use - to determine what needs to be adjusted to improve our experiment, and how well does this hypothesis align?
Each of the stages loop back to the other, and build substance for our Conclusion. Finally, we can make a concluding statement and use our method and data statements to add to the substance that confirms or disproves our hypothesis.
Through the entire process - we are evaluating.
Are we done?? Not quite. Next we kick out the next logical hypothesis - investigation. We have taken from the science shelf, now we give back.
When we consider the IA and the inquiry process, there is a fluid motion of investigation. Leading to a conclusion, which can spur another investigation.
The conclusion is the culmination of a solid investigation.
It is also the springboard, presenting direction for future investigations which other researchers (or yourself) should explore!
So, how am I assessed?
Internal assessment criteria. 4 elements, all equally weighted. Notice that there is much more to a successful investigation (see above), and also realize that a key component to each of these criterion is communication. Science gains strength through effective communication and the use of mathematics.
Criterion Maximum number of marks available Weighting (%)
Research design 6 25
Data analysis 6 25
Conclusion 6 25
Evaluation 6 25
Total 24 100
Where do I start?
In class, we will talk about variable mapping. Anything you can imagine is attached to variables. These may be dependent or independent variables. Think of what you observe with your 5 senses.
Here's a link to a blank Variable Map: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1IXfWLgbbt4cMkI4U4ca7_X6mVU9C6C7ZumwnNPmSVzM/edit?usp=sharing
Start with a wonder and work you way out. The closer to the center, the more elementary the experiment. The farther out, the experience is often more interesting and also complex.
How is this IA more than just a lab that we have to complete?
Our time in lab investigation structure in class is our training to prepare you for doing science. We will use many many modes of laboratory work, but Teaming will be a strategy which will move you from a student doing a lab, to a student scientist documenting a unique exploration.
A full, well documented experimental process can often take a very long time - sometimes months, sometimes years. Some researchers invest lifetime into an experimental process. We don't have that kind of time - so we will do manageable investigations. These will start with observation and questions that will allow us to wonder into the investigation and move to an open inquiry investigation.
See the illustration below, and consider where do you feel comfortable with science investigation? Throwing a new swimmer into the deep end, will not be our approach, so understand, we will discover science and we will discover inquiry investigation together. Expect our science experience to be scaffolded, and your skills to grow over time. Some of you will progress into the deep-end faster than others, but we will all strive to get to open inquiry in a way we feel both comfortable and can have fun with science!
An illustration drawn by a student of science teacher Trevor MacKenzie. See the related article at https://www.edutopia.org/article/bringing-inquiry-based-learning-into-your-class-trevor-mackenzie/
Generally speaking, any lab experience you have had, or will have, can be directed by your instructor as a very teacher heavy Structured Inquiry, or be conducted as a Controlled, Guided, or even Free (or Open) Inquiry.
Page updated
Report abuse