IB Chemistry IA Criteria and Marking Rubric

Complete IA Criteria with the Full Marking Rubric Broken Down

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IB Chemistry IA Criteria

A - Personal Engagement
B - Exploration
C - Analysis
D - Evaluation
E - Communication

IB Chemistry IA Marking Rubric

Criterion A: Personal Engagement – 8% (2/24)

The engagement with your project and idea. Recognised as any display of personal interests, independent thinking, creativity or initiative.

0 Marks

No evidence of the descriptors below

1 Mark

Little evidence of the descriptors below

2 Marks

Significant independent thinking, initiative, or insight with the exploration:

  1. Research question has personal significance, interest, or curiosity
  2. Personal input and initiative in design, implementation, or presentation of the investigation

Criterion B: Exploration – 25% (6/24)

The establishment of the scientific context. Displayed through a clear and focused research question and ideas or skills explored in the syllabus, including safety, environmental, and ethical considerations.

0 Marks

No evidence of the descriptors below

1 - 2 Marks

Little evidence of the descriptors below

3 - 4 Marks

Some evidence of the descriptors below

5 - 6 Marks

  1. Identified topic with relevant and focused research question
  2. Relevant background information that enhances understanding of the investigation
  3. Methodology is highly appropriate and considers all significant factors that influence the relevance, reliability, and sufficiency of the collected data
  4. Full awareness of significant safety, ethical, or environmental issues present in the methodology

Criterion C: Analysis – 25% (6/24)

The extent to which data has been selected, recorded, processed and interpreted with respect to the research question.

0 Marks

No evidence of the descriptors below

1 - 2 Marks

Little evidence of the descriptors below

3 - 4 Marks

Some evidence of the descriptors below

5 - 6 Marks

  1. Relevant quantitative and qualitative raw data to support a valid conclusion
  2. Appropriate and accurate data processing to support a conclusion consistent with the experimental data
  3. Full consideration of the impact of measurement uncertainty on the analysis
  4. Correct interpretation of the data to reach a valid conclusion

Critereon D: Evaluation – 25% (6/24)

The extent of evaluation of the investigation and its results with reference to the research question and any existing research.

0 Marks

No evidence of the descriptors below

1 - 2 Marks

Little evidence of the descriptors below

3 - 4 Marks

Some evidence of the descriptors below

5 - 6 Marks

  1. Described and justified conclusion relevant to the research question and supported by the data presented
  2. Relevant comparison of conclusion to accepted scientific literature
  3. Strengths and weaknesses of the investigation discussed and show understanding of methodological issues and limitations
  4. Realistic and relevant suggestions for improvement and extension of the investigation

Critereon E: Communication – 17% (4/24)

The presentation and communication of the investigation, including the focus, process and outcomes.

0 Marks

No evidence of the descriptors below

1 - 2 Marks

Unclear presentation and explanation difficult to understand

3 - 4 Marks

Clear presentation and explanation. Errors do not impede understanding of the focus, process, and outcomes:

  1. Clear structure and coherent explanation
  2. Concise report with a ready understanding of the focus, process, and outcome
  3. Correct and appropriate use of subject-specific terminology

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