Welcome to the third part of our five-part series on how to achieve a perfect score in your Physics Internal Assessment (IA). In this article, we will delve into Criteria B, a crucial criteria, accounting for a quarter of your entire IA grade and setting the tone for the rest of your experimentation. If you haven’t already, do check out our second article on Criteria A.
Criteria B assesses the extent to which you establish the scientific context for your work, formulate a clear and focused research question, and apply concepts and techniques appropriate to the Diploma Programme level. It also evaluates your awareness and consideration of safety issues where relevant.
Let’s explore some of the key components of Criteria B where most people lose easy marks. Quoted to the rubric (bolded text), with some tips, requirements, and examples to guide you, here is our advice on how to get a 6/6 in your Criteria B.
Research Question: A focused and detailed topic of the investigation is identified & A relevant and fully focused research question is clearly described
- Your research question must be extremely specific, stating your Independant and Dependant variables.
- Research questions should note the range of values of the independent variable that will be experimented in the research question itself.
- Research questions can consider adding units and uncertainties in the research question itself in brackets.
- Research can consider mentioning the variables being controlled.
Example Research Question 1: How does the internal pressure of a football (24, 41, 55, 69, 86, 97 kPa) affect its rebound height (meters) at five consecutive bounces determine its influence on the elasticity of the football through measurements of its coefficients of restitution?
Example Research Question 2: How does varying the thickness of a glass slab placed in front of a double slit at a distance of 32.3(±0.5 cm) from both the slits affect its fringe width in the double slit interference pattern obtained?
Background Information: The physics is explained well enough for the reader to fully and easily understand it without the need of rereading
- You’re expected to explain the physics behind the experiment you’re writing in a concise and simple manner where both Physics and Non-Physics readers can understand on the first go.
- Use simple language and explain all scientific jargon and formulas referenced.
Independent, dependant, and controlled variables: The methodology of the investigation is focused on addressing the research question & The methodology of the investigation includes steps to assure the relevance and reliability of the collected data
- Identify the correct independent and dependent variables to explore the research question previously written.
- Write the units, values changed (independent variable), and how the dependent variable is calculated.
- Provide 3-5+ controlled variables at least and explain how they were controlled.
- Provide reasons for controlled variables to ensure the relevance and reliability of the collected data.
Safety considerations: The student shows full awareness of safety hazards that can arise during the procedure
- List and briefly explain at least 2 safety hazards of your experimental design.
- Write at least 1 (although we do recommend 2) ways of addressing these concerns to ensure that conducting your experiment is a safe experience.
Example: Since this experiment involved both water and electric currents, safety was a top priority. To avoid any safety issues, the power supply's current was set to 0.09 Amps so that even if someone touched the water, they wouldn't be affected or shocked. Additionally, gloves were used when pouring the boiling water to prevent burns or accidents. The location where the experiment was conducted was secluded from desks and workstations as a final preventative safety measure to prevent any incidences of curiosity.
Environmental issues: The student shows full awareness of environmental issues that are relevant to the procedure
- Identify whether the experiment has any environmental issues or concerns.
- If they do, explain the actions taken to address them.
Example: The investigation does not pose any direct harm on the environment since no detrimental substances are being disposed of and all of the apparatus is reusable, with the exception of scotch tape, such that the functionality of the apparatus is not compromised.
Ethical issues: The student shows full awareness of the ethical issues that are relevant to the procedure
- Identify whether the experiment has any ethical issues or concerns.
- If they do, explain the actions taken to address them.
Example: The bouncing of the football may generate relatively loud sounds such that the investigation will be carried out in the afternoon of a weekday, in my basement, where potential disturbances to my surroundings are minimized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, achieving a perfect score in the Physics Internal Assessment (IA) Criteria B requires a clear understanding and application of several key components.
These include formulating a focused and detailed research question, considering safety, environmental, and ethical issues, and more. While there are a couple others as well, such as well written methods and elaborate apparatus lists, this article was our list of areas where people lose most of their marks in accordance with the rubric.
By adhering to these guidelines and examples, you can effectively meet the requirements of Criteria B and enhance their overall IA grade.