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The IB Chemistry Internal Assessment: A Wholistic Introduction

As part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program, students taking Chemistry at either the standard or higher level are expected to submit a detailed write up, more commonly known as a lab report, based on an experiment they conduct. The assessment is internally assessed, but externally moderated and worth 20% of the final grade, giving students an opportunity to actively showcase the skills they learn in class.

Choosing an Experiment
Before beginning to write the report, student will need to choose a topic that interests them and design an appropriate experiment to answer their proposed research question. Deciding on an experiment is one of the pivotal parts of the IA process and can set the tone for the entire investigation therefore it is crucial to select an appropriate topic that leaves enough room for investigation while also remaining relevant to the course.

The IB grading criterion values independent thinking and personal interest which should be demonstrated throughout your IA. Copying an experiment that has been done before may cause you to lose some points throughout the various criterion. This, however, does not mean students need to invent their own experiment completely from scratch, but more tailor a common experiment to suit a personal interest of theirs.

It is also recommended to choose a variable to measure rather than different categories. This means, for example conducting an experiment measuring efficacy of a drug at various concentrations, rather than investigating efficacy of different brands of the drug. Having one changing variable will allow for more in depth data analysis and tends to be preferred by examiners.

A big factor in deciding which experiment to go with is feasibility. It is important to be realistic and choose an experiment that is not too time consuming or challenging. Though your experiment should showcase knowledge learned in class it should still be simple enough to be completed within about a week’s worth of lab sessions. This is not set in stone, but more a recommendation, as majority of your final grade will be based on the quality of your report rather than the practical.

The Writing Processes Once you have chosen an investigation it is time to begin writing the report. The writing process can be split into two main parts; pre- experimental introductions and post experimental analysis. The preliminary writing aims to introduce the investigation, the variables being explored, and give the reader any information required to understand the theory and practicalities of the experiment. The first part of the report consists of the following subsections:
Aim
  • A sentence or two introducing your investigation and giving the reader a general idea of the experiment that will be conducted.
  • Should include both the independent and dependent variable being investigated and how their relationship will be investigated
Background Information
  • The background information is your chance to showcase your understanding of the theory behind your chosen experiment.
  • Begin by introducing your topic as well as its relevance and why it is a wroth while area of research
  • Briefly introduce the experiment being conducted and in depth explain the scientific theory behind your investigation
  • Aim to use as much scientific language as possible, detailing any reactions taking place using diagrams where relevant
  • It is recommended to also reference papers that investigate similar topics, explore their research, and link it to your own experiment
Research Question
  • The Research Question is what you aim to answer by the end of your experiment
  • It will follow a similar structure to the aim but should be phrased as a question
  • It should include the independent and dependent variables being investigated as well as how they will be measured/ how you will explore the relationship between them
Hypothesis
  • The hypothesis should state your predicted relationship between the independent and dependent variable
  • This should be backed by evidence and scientific theory explaining the reasoning behind your prediction
Variables
  • State your independent and dependent variables the equipment used to measure them
  • You should include at least 5 controlled variables, stating how you will ensure they remain controlled, the tools used to maintain this, and why it’s important these variables remain controlled
  • Do not forget to add uncertainties of all measuring equipment used eg. Thermometer (C  1C)
Method
  • The method explains, in detail, the experimental procedure followed
  • It should include ALL the steps, including any repeats that need to be conducted
  • You should also mention ALL the equipment used, and include all measurements with their respective uncertainties
  • Moderators appreciate a clear, concise and easy to follow method. Keep this in mind as you are writing
Safety
  • Especially when dealing with chemicals, heat, and electricity safety is an essential component to keep in mind
  • Mention any hazards in your experiment and the measures taken to prevent an accident, as well as procedure in case of an accident
Raw Data Table
  • In a sentence or two briefly introduce your raw data table
  • Display your raw results in a neat and organised table, making sure its titled, ALL units of measurement are present, and ALL uncertainties are mentioned
Processed Data Table
  • Before the table, explain how your data was processed, including an example calculation on one set of data
  • You should include ALL formulas used with appropriate mathematical notation
  • Present your data in an organised table, stating all units of measurement and uncertainties appropriate to the table
Graph
  • Once you have your processed data, it is important to represent it graphically
  • You can include multiple graphs, however it is recommended to include at least 1 scatter plot
  • Scatter plots should include ALL the following components
    • Sentence introducing the graph
    • Graph title
    • X and Y axis titled (with units and uncertainties where appropriate)
    • Suitable trend line with R2 value displayed
    • Standard deviations of each point
Hypothesis
  • The hypothesis should state your predicted relationship between the independent and dependent variable
  • This should be backed by evidence and scientific theory explaining the reasoning behind your prediction
Conclusion
  • The goal of this section is to answer your research question with evidence provided by your results
  • Begin by restating the goal of your experiment and outlining what was done in the experiment
  • Explain the relationship between the independent and dependent variable using specific examples from your data, and mentioning all the graphs made
  • Explain any outliers in the data, stating how they may have been caused and how severely they impact the quality of your data (reliability of the data)
  • End by stating the outcome of the experiment and answering the research question
Errors and Improvements
  • In this section evaluate the reliability and validity of your method and how this impacts the data
  • Evaluate the accuracy of tools used, methods of gathering data, and other components that may have an impact on the reliability of the data produced
  • Focus on both random and systemic errors as this will demonstrate critical thinking which is appreciated by moderator
  • State measures that can be taken to minimise errors and how the method can be adjusted for more reliable results
References
  • Cite ALL sources used both in text and with a bibliography at the end of your report
  • Referencing should be done in Harvard or MLA (pick 1 for the whole report)
  • Bibliography should be organised alphabetically

The Marking Criteria

Understanding the way in which your report will be graded is a very helpful tool in knowing what examiners marking your report are looking for. This section will explain the general principles behind each criterion and tips to achieve top scores. For the specifics on each sub section of the IA, view tables under “Writing process.”
Personal Engagement
/2
  • Creative, Independent, and Critical thinking
  • Should be showcased throughout your report
Exploration
/6
  • Research question is clear, concise, and appropriate for the investigation
  • Variables mentioned are relevant, with an explanation of how they will be measured/ remain controlled
  • Safety procedures are taken into account and relevant to the experiment
  • Method is clear, easy to follow, includes all measurements, uncertainties, and safety precautions
Analysis
/6
  • Quantitative and qualitative data is included
  • Includes Raw and Processed data tables
  • Tables are labelled and organised with all relevant units mentioned
  • Scientific language (eg. volume instead of amount)
  • All results are to the same decimal place
  • Example of ALL conducted calculations
Evaluation
/6
  • Detailed and appropriate conclusion is drawn from the data gathered
  • Scientific evidence is explored and detailed explanation of results is included
  • Evaluation of strengths and weaknesses with an appropriate solution/ improvement suggested
Communication
/6
  • Focuses on overall presentation of the report and its clarity
  • Report is well organised and easy to follow with all necessary information included
  • Scientific language is used throughout the report correctly and all scientific notations (units, formulas etc) used where appropriate
Tips and tricks

The following are some small tips from an IB student who took Chem HL to ensure the IA
process is as smooth as possible


– Time management is KEY! Before going into grade 12, ensure you have decided on
an experiment as well as have the majority of the pre-experimental write up done. It
is preferred to do your experiment before the summer, but this will be dependent on
your specific school program.
– Include a labelled diagram of your experimental set up showcasing the general
mechanisms of the experiment
– Do not use personal pronouns such as I and You in the report
– Include an analysis section beneath each graph describing the general trends in the
graph, and pointing out any outliers without explaining them
– Ask for help if you need it! Your teachers are there to support you and know the IB
inside and out, take their advice and ask questions!
Goodluck!

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