The Criteria Explained

The information below summarises the official guidance from IB. Criteria for top marks are detailed in the table

Personal Engagement

You should include some background reasoning for your choice of investigation and what inspired you to choose this topic. Perhaps it was something you thought about in class or during an experiment or something you read. Try to demonstrate personal interest and genuine enthusiasm in your report. An innovative and totally unique investigation would be fantastic but may not always be practical given the constraints of time, money and equipment! However, try to think independently, adapt methods and be as creative as you can.

Exploration

You must have a clearly stated and focused research question and relate your knowledge of Chemistry to the topic being studied. Chemical equations and referenced sources should be included.

The method used must show how relevant data are collected and take into account factors that affect the reliability of the results. Consider control variables, precision of apparatus and how many data points will be suffcient for a suitable analysis. Five data points are usually consider the minimum but more may be required to identify a trend line but more would be required for a curve. Where appropriate show that you have considered health, safety and environmental issues.

Analysis

You need to record all raw data, both qualitative and quantitative, including any random uncertainties. Data should be tabulated where possible.

Show how the data are processed – only one full example calculation is required but a summary table of all the processed data should be included. Calculations should be accurate, include correct units and appropriate sig fgs. The impact of error propagation needs considered.

Graphs must be accurately plotted with clear titles, appropriate scales, labeled axis with units and appropriate best ft lines or curves.

Processed data should be carefully interpreted in the context of the research question to develop a valid conclusion.

Evaluation

Give a conclusion that is justifed by the results presented and also put the fndings in a broader context. Findings should be compared to the literature value and accepted data sources. You should show off your relevant scientifc knowledge and include molecular level explanations for your fndings where possible.

Full consideration of errors is essential and should lead you to evaluate the method chosen and suggest relevant modifcations. Makes sure the modifcations suggested specifcally relate to the identifed weaknesses. A table with 3 columns can help you to keep this part focused:

e.g

Error/design limitation

Impact on results

Suggested improvement

Some of the CO₂ collected by displacement of water may have

dissolved

The measured volume of CO₂ is less than the volume

released in the reaction

Collect the gas in a gas syringe or over warm water to

reduce solubility

Communication

A good scientifc report communicates in clear, concise language with no superfuous comments. Your report should follow a logical sequence and make correct use of subject specifc terms and conventions (this includes units, sig fgs, sub-scripts and superscripts etc). Sub-headings should be used.