A step-by-step Guide for writing a Killer IBDP Physics IA

Are you having trouble with IB Physics IA and in need of a mentor to help you?

Indeed, IBDP Physics IA can be nerve-racking with conducting that physical experiment all by yourself and then writing a report about your findings. On paper, it seems simple, but in practice, it can be challenging. To assist you in doing this correctly, we have put together this guide.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started.

Blen brings you a step-by-step guide to kill your IBDP Physics IA:

Step 1: Choose the Right Topic

First thing first, find an interesting subject that you learned in class by looking through your course schedule. Additionally, even if the problem relates to a topic that hasn't been discussed in class by your teacher but is one that merits further research, it might be a good fit.

You might think the more complicated the topic is more marks you might achieve. It’s MYTH!! Simple topics are easy to investigate and research. Choose your topic wisely which allows you to gather primary data and build on good secondary research.

Step 2: Plan Your IB Physics IA Experiment

The second step is planning your experiment. Your strategy should not only include all information pertinent to the experiment but also be entirely doable.

Highlight the information you want to record and how you plan to do it in your strategy.

If you find out while planning that you don't have all you'll need to do the experiment, it's possible that our subject is too complex. In that case, return to step one and choose a different subject to research.

Step 3: Record Your Data Precisely

The third step is to carry out your experiment and collect the necessary information. Record the figures, being sure to include all the variables utilized.

The information can be manually entered or entered into a program like Microsoft Excel. It's possible that your initial record is inaccurate, and even if it is, it could be challenging to explain the facts. So, in order to reduce the likelihood of random errors, perform your experiment at least five times.

It's crucial to remember that each time you perform the experiment, you should do so under exact identical circumstances.

Step 4: Estimate the Uncertainties

Your physical experiment will, in fact, contain random and intentional mistakes. Therefore, it's crucial to calculate the experiment's uncertainties.

Tools like digital meters and stopwatches can cause systematic errors by associating the last digit with a +/-1.

Systematic errors can also be brought on by some human factors, such as timing reactions. In physical experiments, random errors are also a possibility, but they are unrelated to your tools and methods. They frequently result from measuring fluctuations. 

Well, by conducting the experiment at least five more times, you can lessen the likelihood that these errors will occur.

Step 5: Draw a Graph and Interpret Results

Create a linear graph, then extract the data from it, using program like Microsoft Excel. Ideally, the graph must have points that represent the measurements and a best-fit line going through them in order to show a linear correlation.

If the relationships between the variables are not linear, then you should edit the variables to create a linear curve that makes the relationships between the variables proportional.

The next step is to try interpreting the result or correlation between the variables using the graphs and their gradients.

Step 6: Evaluating Your Results

It's time to assess your results, which will count for 25% of the overall grade for your IB Physics Internal Assessment assignment.

Finding results and highlighting any potential experiment faults are the goals here.

For the sake of clarity, it's acceptable if the result doesn't match your expectations. If you examine the findings and explain why you arrived at the incorrect conclusions, you may still receive some credit. To accomplish this, revisit your procedure and pinpoint any potential error reasons. Don't forget to discuss the implications of your findings for the connection you are researching.

Step 7: Draft your Report

Write a clear and thorough report for the physical experiment to complete your IB Physics IA assignment.