The IB Biology Internal Assessment (IA) is a crucial component of your final grade, accounting for 20%. Choosing the right topic and executing the experiment flawlessly are key to success. This guide provides examples, highlighting different approaches and offering practical advice to help you excel.
Understanding the IA Requirements
Before diving into examples, let's recap the key requirements:
- Personal Engagement: The IA should reflect your genuine interest and curiosity. It shouldn't feel like a forced exercise.
- Exploration: You need to clearly define your research question, hypothesis, and methodology. The process of investigation should be evident.
- Analysis: This involves meticulous data collection, appropriate statistical analysis, and insightful interpretation of your results.
- Evaluation: Critically assess your methodology, identify limitations, and suggest improvements for future investigations.
- Communication: Present your findings clearly and concisely, using appropriate scientific language and visuals.
IB Biology IA Examples: Diverse Approaches
Here are a few examples showcasing diverse approaches to the IB Biology IA, categorized for clarity:
Plant Biology
1. Investigating the Effect of Different Light Wavelengths on Photosynthesis:
- Research Question: How does the intensity of photosynthesis vary with different wavelengths of light (e.g., red, blue, green)?
- Methodology: Use aquatic plants (e.g., Elodea) and measure the rate of oxygen production under different colored LED lights.
- Analysis: Analyze the data using appropriate statistical tests (e.g., t-test, ANOVA) to compare oxygen production rates across different wavelengths.
2. The Effect of Salinity on Seed Germination:
- Research Question: How does varying salinity levels affect the germination rate and growth of bean seeds?
- Methodology: Germinate bean seeds in solutions with different salt concentrations and monitor germination rates and seedling growth over time.
- Analysis: Analyze the data using statistical tests to determine if there's a significant difference in germination rates and growth across different salinity levels.
Animal Biology
3. The Effect of Caffeine on Heart Rate in Daphnia:
- Research Question: How does caffeine concentration affect the heart rate of Daphnia?
- Methodology: Observe Daphnia under a microscope and measure their heart rate in different caffeine concentrations.
- Analysis: Analyze the data using regression analysis to determine the relationship between caffeine concentration and heart rate.
4. Investigating the Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity:
- Research Question: How does temperature affect the activity of the enzyme catalase in potato extract?
- Methodology: Measure the rate of oxygen production from the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by catalase at different temperatures.
- Analysis: Determine the optimal temperature for catalase activity using graphical representation and statistical analysis.
Microbiology
5. Investigating the Antimicrobial Properties of Different Household Substances:
- Research Question: Which common household substance (e.g., vinegar, lemon juice, honey) exhibits the strongest antimicrobial properties against E. coli?
- Methodology: Use the agar diffusion method to assess the effectiveness of different substances against E. coli growth.
- Analysis: Measure the zones of inhibition to compare the antimicrobial activity of different substances.
6. The Effect of Antibiotics on Bacterial Growth:
- Research Question: How do different concentrations of penicillin affect the growth of Staphylococcus aureus?
- Methodology: Grow Staphylococcus aureus cultures in different penicillin concentrations and measure the bacterial growth over time.
- Analysis: Analyze the data using statistical tests to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of penicillin.
Tips for Success
- Start Early: Allow ample time for planning, experimentation, data analysis, and writing.
- Consult Your Teacher: Discuss your ideas with your IB Biology teacher for feedback and guidance.
- Precise Measurements: Ensure accuracy in data collection; use appropriate units and significant figures.
- Error Analysis: Identify and address potential sources of error in your methodology.
- Clear Communication: Present your findings in a clear, concise, and well-structured manner.
Remember, the key to a successful IB Biology IA is careful planning, meticulous execution, and a thorough understanding of the scientific method. Use these examples as inspiration and adapt them to your own interests to create a truly engaging and insightful investigation. Good luck!
