pdf, 4.3 MB
pdf, 4.3 MB

IB DP Science IA Methodology Planning Document

This 9-page structured planning worksheet guides students to design rigorous, safe, and reproducible methodology before starting any experimental work. It directly supports Criterion A: Research Design, helping students turn ideas into clear, actionable investigation plans.

What This Document Includes

A complete 13-part methodology planning system with tables, checklists, and guided prompts in an editable format. A built-in teacher approval section ensures designs are reviewed before lab work begins.

Methodology Planning Coverage

  1. Variables Planning
    Define independent, dependent, and control variables with justification, measurement methods, and precision.

  2. Equipment & Materials
    List apparatus, chemicals, quantities, and specifications. Includes availability checks.

  3. Detailed Methodology
    Step-by-step setup, procedure, data collection methods, and trial consistency planning.

  4. Safety & Risk Assessment
    Hazard identification, GHS references, control measures, PPE checklist, and emergency procedures.

  5. Data Analysis Plan
    Strategy for interpreting results, evaluating the hypothesis, and considering limitations and improvements.

  6. Uncertainty & Error Planning
    Identify random and systematic errors, with strategies to improve precision and reproducibility.

  7. Data Collection Planning
    Determine number of data points, trial structure, and includes raw/processed data table templates.

  8. Data Processing Plan
    Required calculations, formula documentation, graphing approach, and statistical test planning.

  9. Time Management
    Time estimates, scheduling, and deadline tracking.

  10. Contingency Planning
    Potential problems, backup solutions, and alternative approaches.

  11. Reproducibility Check
    Self-assessment checklist to confirm the method can be replicated by others.

  12. Teacher Approval Section
    Review checklist, feedback space, and final approval sign-off.

  13. Student Reflection
    Post-planning strengths review, concerns, and next steps.

Ideal For

• IB Science teachers requiring structured IA planning
• Students needing support to build detailed procedures
• Schools prioritizing safety and compliance
• Teachers aiming to identify design flaws early
• Complex investigations requiring thorough preparation

Why It Works

This document converts vague ideas into clear, structured experimental plans. Students demonstrate high-level planning expected for top Criterion A marks while reducing errors, safety issues, and redesigns during experimentation.

Part of a larger IA support bundle, this resource is used after research question approval and before any practical work begins. It serves as the investigation blueprint and must be teacher-approved prior to experimentation.

Key Benefit: Students who complete this thoroughly rarely face major experimental setbacks because risks, variables, and procedures have already been carefully planned.

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 10%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

IB DP Science IA Bundle Part 1 of 2 Start to Finish Internal Assessment Resources 2026

This comprehensive 2-part bundle supports teachers and students through every stage of the IB Diploma Programme Science Internal Assessment (IA) — from choosing a topic to submitting a polished, high-quality report. Designed for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, the bundle combines idea banks, planning tools, writing guides, assessment checklists, marking rubrics, moderation aids, timelines, and data-analysis support to make the IA process clearer, more structured, and more successful for learners at every level. This resource set is ideal for departments seeking a consistent IA system, teachers guiding students through the year, and students who need clear guidance, scaffolding, and practical tools to plan, conduct, and communicate their investigations. **Please note: This is Part 1 of the complete bundle package. It contains 12 of the 23 resources available. The remaining 11 resources will be available in Part 2 of the bundle.** Part 2 can be found here: [https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/ib-dp-science-ia-bundle-part-2-of-2-start-to-finish-internal-assessment-resources-2026-13404166](https://) What’s Included in This Complete Bundle 1. Idea and Topic Banks • Extensive subject-specific IA idea databases for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics • Hundreds of investigation prompts to inspire research questions • Suggestions for experimental, database, simulation, survey, and hybrid investigations 2. Planning and Proposal Tools • Structured IA planning templates for research questions, variables, methodology, risk assessment, and data planning • Milestone timelines with automatic date calculations • Progress tracking to help students manage workflow across months 3. Writing Guides and Worksheets • Conclusion writing support and frameworks • Evaluation writing lesson and templates • Worksheets for significant figures, uncertainty propagation, graph interpretation, regression (R²), and more • Student self-assessment checklists to confirm completeness before submission 4. Assessment, Marking & Moderation Tools • Teacher marking rubric aligned with IB criteria • Standardized marking and moderation system with analytics dashboards • Double-marking support and variance tracking • Calibration records and moderation logs Why This Bundle Is Valuable Simplifies a Complex Process The IA is one of the most challenging components of IB Science. This bundle breaks it into manageable, clearly guided steps that students can follow with confidence. Supports Inquiry and Independence Open-ended idea banks paired with planning templates encourage authentic student-led investigations while reinforcing independent thinking and problem solving. Improves Quality and Readiness Tools that help students plan, write, check, and revise ensure investigations are well thought-out, fully developed, and aligned to assessment criteria. Reduces Teacher Workload Standardized rubrics, checklists, and progress trackers save time, support consistency, and free teachers to focus on feedback and conceptual development. Aligned With IB Expectations Every component supports IB academic integrity, criterion understanding, and best practices for assessment design, execution, and communication. Who This Bundle Is For • IB Science teachers guiding IA development • IB coordinators implementing department-wide IA systems • Students needing structured support from start to finish • Classes that benefit from milestone-based tracking and accountability • Learners preparing for laboratory work, analysis, writing, and reflection Whether your class is just beginning the IA journey or you’re refining submissions for moderation, this bundle provides everything needed to inspire topics, organise thinking, strengthen scientific communication, and deliver high-quality Internal Assessments with confidence.

£42.30

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