IB Chemistry IA Guide: Everything you need to know

Chemistry is a fascinating subject that involves the study of matter and its properties, composition, and reactions. The Internal Assessment (IA) is an essential part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their understanding of chemistry and apply it to a real-world problem or investigation. The IA is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest possible score. For IB students, the Internal Assessment (IA) is an important component of the chemistry course. It allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the subject and apply their knowledge to a real-world problem or investigation.

Structure of the Chemistry IA:

Introduction:

This section should provide an overview of the research question or problem that the IA is investigating. It should include a clear hypothesis and any relevant background information.

Bad IA Introduction:

In this IA, we conducted an experiment to see the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide. We wanted to see how fast the reaction would occur and if it would change with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. We think that this experiment is important because hydrogen peroxide is used in many different applications, and it is important to understand its chemical properties.

Explanation: This introduction is too brief and lacks detail. It doesn’t provide a clear research question or hypothesis, which makes it difficult for the reader to understand the purpose of the experiment. It also doesn’t explain why the experiment is significant and how it relates to previous research or real-world applications.

Good IA Introduction:

The experiment conducted in this IA aims to investigate the effect of different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide on the rate of reaction with potassium iodide. This experiment is significant because it provides insight into the reaction kinetics of hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide and how their reaction rates change as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide varies. Additionally, this experiment is relevant in understanding the properties of hydrogen peroxide and its potential applications in various industries. The hypothesis for this experiment is that as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide increases, the reaction rate will also increase.

Explanation: This introduction provides a clear research question and states the significance of the experiment. The hypothesis is also clearly stated and relates to the research question. The introduction provides enough context for the reader to understand the importance of the experiment.

Materials and Methods:

In this section, you should describe the materials and methods used to carry out the experiment. You should also describe any safety precautions that were taken.

Bad Materials and Methods Section:

• Incomplete list of materials and equipment used, with no details about their specifications or sources.
• Vague or confusing description of the experimental procedure, with missing steps or unclear instructions.
• No mention of any safety precautions taken during the experiment.
• Lack of detail about how the data was collected and recorded, including measurements or observations.
• No discussion of potential sources of error or limitations of the experimental design.

Explanation: A bad materials and methods section lacks sufficient detail to allow others to replicate the experiment. It may be confusing or incomplete, making it difficult to understand the experimental procedures. The section also fails to include any information about safety precautions or potential sources of error, which can impact the reliability and validity of the experiment.

Good Materials and Methods Section:

• Detailed list of materials and equipment used in the experiment, including their specifications, manufacturers, and sources.
• Clear and concise description of the experimental procedure, including step-by-step instructions that can be easily followed by others.
• Explanation of any safety precautions taken during the experiment, such as the use of protective equipment and proper handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Clear and concise explanation of how the data was collected and recorded, including any relevant measurements or observations.
• Discussion of any potential sources of error or limitations of the experimental design.

Explanation: A good materials and methods section provides a clear and detailed description of the experimental procedures used in the study. It should be written in a way that allows others to replicate the experiment and obtain similar results. The section should also include any relevant safety precautions and potential sources of error to ensure the reliability and validity of the experiment.

Data Collection and Analysis:

This section should describe the data that was collected during the experiment and how it was analyzed. This can include tables, graphs, and other visual representations of the data.

Bad Data Collection and Analysis Section:

• Incomplete or unclear presentation of the data, with missing or inaccurate information.
• Lack of detail about the methods used to analyze the data, or inadequate explanation of the statistical tests or other techniques used.
• Inaccurate reporting of the results, with incorrect units or significant figures.
• No discussion of trends or patterns observed in the data, or no reference to the research question or hypothesis.
• No comparison of the results to previous research or theories in the field.

Explanation: A bad data collection and analysis section may be incomplete or unclear, making it difficult for the reader to understand the results. It may lack detail about the methods used to analyze the data, or inaccurately report the results. The section may also fail to identify any trends or patterns in the data or compare the results to previous research or theories, making it difficult to assess the significance of the experiment.

Good Data Collection and Analysis Section:

• Clear and concise presentation of the data, including tables, graphs, or charts.
• Thorough explanation of the methods used to analyze the data, including statistical tests or other techniques.
• Accurate and precise reporting of the results, with appropriate units and significant figures.
• Discussion of any trends or patterns observed in the data, with references to the research question or hypothesis.
• Comparison of the results to previous research or theories in the field.

Explanation: A good data collection and analysis section provides a clear and thorough presentation of the data, with a detailed explanation of the methods used to analyze it. It accurately reports the results and identifies any trends or patterns observed in the data. The section also includes a comparison of the results to previous research or theories, demonstrating the significance of the experiment.

Results and Discussion:

In this section, you should present your findings and discuss their significance. This can include a comparison of your results to previous research or theories, as well as an explanation of any unexpected or anomalous results.

Bad Results and Discussion Section:

• Unclear or confusing presentation of the results, with no discussion of any trends or patterns observed in the data.
• Superficial or incomplete discussion of the implications of the results, with no clear relation to the research question or hypothesis.
• No discussion of potential sources of error or limitations of the experimental design that may have impacted the results.
• Lack of detail about the significance of the results, with no discussion of their contributions to the understanding of the field or real-world applications.
• No reference to previous research or theories in the field, with no comparison of the results to existing knowledge.

Explanation: A bad results and discussion section may be unclear or confusing, making it difficult for the reader to understand the implications of the results. The section may also lack detail about potential sources of error or limitations of the experimental design that may have impacted the results. The significance of the results may be superficial or incomplete, with no clear relation to the research question or hypothesis. The section may also fail to reference previous research or theories in the field, making it difficult to assess the significance of the results.

Good Results and Discussion Section:

• Clear and concise presentation of the results, including any trends or patterns observed in the data.
• Thorough discussion of the implications of the results, including how they relate to the research question or hypothesis.
• Explanation of any potential sources of error or limitations of the experimental design that may have impacted the results.
• Discussion of the significance of the results, including how they contribute to the understanding of the field or have real-world applications.
• Reference to previous research or theories in the field, with a comparison of the results to existing knowledge.

Explanation: A good results and discussion section presents the results in a clear and concise manner, with a thorough discussion of their implications. The section includes an explanation of any potential sources of error or limitations of the experimental design that may have impacted the results. The significance of the results is discussed, including how they contribute to the understanding of the field or have real-world applications. The section also references previous research or theories in the field, with a comparison of the results to existing knowledge.

Conclusion:

This section should summarize the main findings of the experiment and any conclusions that can be drawn from them. You can also suggest areas for future research.

Bad Conclusion:

• Merely restates the results without providing any new insights or analysis.
• Fails to reflect on the significance of the results or relate them to the research question or hypothesis.
• Does not identify any limitations of the experimental design or suggest future areas of research.
• Is too brief or lacks any substantive content.
• Does not leave a lasting impression on the reader or emphasize the importance of the research.

Explanation: A bad conclusion merely restates the results without providing any new insights or analysis. It may fail to reflect on the significance of the results or relate them to the research question or hypothesis. The conclusion may also not identify any limitations of the experimental design or suggest future areas of research. It may be too brief or lack any substantive content, and does not leave a lasting impression on the reader or emphasize the importance of the research.

Good Conclusion:

• Summarizes the key findings of the experiment, including any trends or patterns observed in the data.
• Restates the research question or hypothesis, and discusses how the results relate to them.
• Reflects on the significance of the results, including how they contribute to the understanding of the field or have real-world applications.
• Identifies any limitations of the experimental design and suggests future areas of research.
• Leaves a lasting impression on the reader and emphasizes the importance of the research.

Explanation: A good conclusion summarizes the key findings of the experiment, restating the research question or hypothesis and discussing how the results relate to them. The significance of the results is reflected upon, including their contributions to the understanding of the field or real-world applications. Any limitations of the experimental design are identified, and future areas of research are suggested. The conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the reader and emphasizes the importance of the research.

Evaluation:

In this final section, you should reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the experiment, including any limitations or sources of error. You can also discuss any modifications that could be made to improve the experiment in the future.

Bad Evaluation Section:

• Fails to provide a critical evaluation of the experimental design or methodology used.
• Does not reflect on any limitations or sources of error in the experimental design or suggest improvements for future research.
• Does not discuss the reliability and validity of the results, including the precision and accuracy of the measurements.
• Does not compare the results to previous research or theories in the field, or explain any discrepancies or inconsistencies.
• Does not reflect on the overall success of the experiment or its potential impact on the field.

Explanation: A bad evaluation section fails to provide a critical evaluation of the experimental design or methodology used. It may not reflect on any limitations or sources of error in the experimental design or suggest improvements for future research. The section may not discuss the reliability and validity of the results, including the precision and accuracy of the measurements. It may not compare the results to previous research or theories in the field, or explain any discrepancies or inconsistencies. The section may not reflect on the overall success of the experiment or its potential impact on the field.

Good Evaluation Section:

• Provides a critical evaluation of the experimental design, including the methodology, procedures, and instruments used.
• Reflects on any limitations or sources of error in the experimental design and suggests improvements for future research.
• Discusses the reliability and validity of the results, including the precision and accuracy of the measurements.
• Compares the results to previous research or theories in the field, and explains any discrepancies or inconsistencies.
• Reflects on the overall success of the experiment and its potential impact on the field.

Explanation: A good evaluation section provides a critical evaluation of the experimental design, including the methodology, procedures, and instruments used. It reflects on any limitations or sources of error in the experimental design and suggests improvements for future research. The section discusses the reliability and validity of the results, including the precision and accuracy of the measurements. It compares the results to previous research or theories in the field, and explains any discrepancies or inconsistencies. The section reflects on the overall success of the experiment and its potential impact on the field.

Here are a few pointers on how to format your Chemistry IA well:

1. Cover Page: Include a cover page with the title of the IA, your name, date of submission, and any other relevant information, such as your school and the subject in which you conducted the experiment.
2. Table of Contents: Include a table of contents that lists the different sections of the IA, including the introduction, materials and methods, data collection and analysis, results and discussion, evaluation, and conclusion.
3. Page Numbers: Number the pages of your IA and include them in the table of contents.
4. Font and Spacing: Use a clear and legible font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and set the font size to 12 points. Use double-spacing throughout the IA, except for the table of contents, figures, and tables, which may require single-spacing.
5. Headings and Subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to clearly separate and organize each section of the IA. Use a consistent formatting style, such as bold or italicized text, for all headings and subheadings.
6. Figures and Tables: Include any figures or tables in the appropriate sections of the IA and label them clearly. Refer to the figures and tables in the text and explain their significance in the results and discussion section.
7. Citations and References: Use appropriate citation style, such as APA or MLA, to cite any sources used in your IA. Include a reference list at the end of the IA that lists all sources cited in the text.
8. Appendices: Include any additional materials, such as raw data or calculations, in the appendices section of the IA.
9. Proofread: Before submitting your IA, proofread it carefully to ensure that it is free of grammatical errors and typos. Ask someone else to review it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.

In conclusion, the structure and format of a Chemistry IA play an essential role in ensuring that the research is well-organised, informative, and understandable. A well-structured IA consists of several key components, including a clear introduction, detailed methodology, accurate data analysis, insightful results, and thoughtful evaluation. By following a consistent formatting style, including clear headings, page numbers, and references, you can present your research in a professional manner and showcase your scientific knowledge and skills. 

Ultimately, a well-written Chemistry IA not only demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter but also serves as a valuable resource for others in the scientific community. By paying attention to the structure and format of your IA, you can produce a high-quality research document that contributes to the field of chemistry and beyond.