IB CHEMISTRY (HL)  INTERNAL ASSESSMENT (I.A.)
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION
NAME:________________________
DUE DATE: MARCH 2017
OVERVIEW OF PROJECT
 20% of final IB mark
 10 hour independent lab investigation: 8 classes given to complete
 6-10 page write up
 A number of important documents (exemplars, lab ideas, guides etc.) and resources regarding the I.A can be found at:
http://www.dpcdsb.org/NDAME/Students/Science/Chemistry/Chemistry+IB/INTERNAL+ASSESSMENT.htm
RUBRIC FOCUS POINTS:
PERSONAL
EXPLORATION
ENGAGEMENT
(LAB DESIGN)
2 (8%)
(i) independent
thinking / creative
(ii) personal
significance / interest
or curiosity
(iii) personal input
and initiative
MARKBANDS
1
0-4
ANALYSIS
(DATA
COLLECTION &
PROCESSING
6 (25%)
EVALUATION
(CONCLUSION /
DISCUSSION)
COMMUNICAT’N
6 (25%)
4 (17%)
(i) research question
(i) raw data
(i) conclusion
(ii) background info
(ii) accurate data
processing
(ii) conclusion
compared to accepted
scientific context
6 (25%)
(iii) methodology
(iv) safety, ethical or
environmental issues
2 (50-59)
5-7
(iii) error analysis
(iv) processed data
correctly presented &
interpreted
3 (60-69)
8-10
4 (70-83)
11-13
(iii) strengths &
weaknesses
(iv) improvements
5(84-92)
14-16
TOTAL
24
(i) well-structured &
clear
(ii) relevant, concise
& easy to process
focus and outcomes
(iii) terminology &
conventions
appropriate &
correct
6 (93-96)
17-19
7 (97-100)
20-24
*I.A. PROCESS PHASES:
PHASE 1  RESEARCH / TOPIC SELECTION / GENERATE RESEARCH QUESTION
 The most important part of the process.
 Chosen topic should be unique / original / personalized. (How is topic relevant to you?)
*The topic is NOT SUITABLE if:
- the experiment is just replicating another;
- the topic is not worthy of investigation;
- there are any excessive safety concerns regarding required chemicals or the lab procedure;
- there is not enough literature to support the investigation. (Initial stages should involve researching to make sure
there is enough literature to support your investigation. In-text referencing should be used and at least five sources of
information.)
 Research question should reference both the independent and dependent variable.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
 Can the investigation be completed within a 10 hour time frame?
 Does the classroom lab support the investigation? (i.e. Are the required apparatus & chemicals available?.....see
attached database and www.prolabscientific.com) *If chemicals need to be ordered, this must be done well in advance
of the commencement of your investigation.
PHASE 2  COMPLETE PROPOSAL / METHODOLOGY / TRIAL RUN?  see PROPOSAL TEMPLATE
PHASE 3  PERFORM INVESTIGATION (10 hours / 8 classes)
PHASE 4  SUBMIT ROUGH DRAFT FOR FEEDBACK
PHASE 5  FINAL DRAFT SUBMISSION
I.A. PROPOSAL
NAME: ______________________
DUE: ________________________
*Please complete the following template (‘cut-and-paste’ into your own word document…and format as you wish) in
order to organize the preparatory phases of your investigation. Please type and be as specific as possible.
1. TITLE & DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH TOPIC / INVESTIGATION
2. REASON / RATIONALE FOR CHOICE OF TOPIC (*Discuss why topic is important / interesting to you.)
3. IDENTIFICATION OF KEY VARIABLES
INDEPENDENT Variable: What are you going to change?
(manipulated variable)
DEPENDENT Variable: What will change because the
independent variable is changed? (measured variable)
CONTROLLED Variables: What variables need to be
kept constant in order to accurately assess the relationship
between the dependent & independent variables?
VARIABLE
HOW CONTROL?
4. PROPOSED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (PROCEDURE)
5. KEY MATERIALS / CHEMICALS / APPARATUS REQUIREMENTS
(FOR CONSIDERATION  Are chemicals in stock? Can they be ordered? Do you require any solutions?...How
much?...What concentration?...How prepare?)
6. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
(Consult MSDS for all chemicals.) *MSDS - http://msdsforschools.ca/scripts/searchdp.php
7. PRINCIPLES OF GREEN CHEMISTRY
(*How are any of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry applicable to your investigation? Be specific.)
*Include protocol for hazardous waste disposal, if applicable.
8. RESOURCES / REFERENCES CONSULTED
(*Should be at least five.)
GUIDELINES / SAMPLE FORMAT:
SECTION 1: EXPLORATION / LAB DESIGN
SUB-HEADING
Title
Introduction
Research Question
Variables
Materials
Safety instructions
Environmental
concerns
Method
EXAMPLE / DESCRIPTION
 ‘The effect changing x has on y’ or ‘How x affects y’
 Provide background information which focuses on how the topic is relevant to you and
why it is worthy of investigation. (First person can be used here.)
 State clearly as part of the introduction.
 Should be sharply focused and reference both the independent and dependent variable.
(E.g. “How does the concentration of caffeine affect the rate of decomposition of hydrogen
peroxide in live in the presence of paracetamol?”)
 Independent Variable: What are you going to change? (manipulated variable)
 Dependent Variable: What will change because the independent variable is changed?
(I.e. What are you going to measure?)
 Controlled variables:
Variable to be controlled
How the variable will be controlled
Include the number and type (volume/dimensions) of equipment required. In brackets
include all uncertainties.
Refer to MSDS and make note of any safety equipment required.
 Focus on any applicable concern(s) regarding the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.
*Include protocol for hazardous waste disposal, if applicable.
 A numbered step-by-step procedure.
 Include the concentration and exact volumes to be used.
 Make references to the controls if deemed necessary.
 Ensure sufficient collection of relevant data by replicating at least three times and
allowing for more than 6 data points if investigating a trend.
 Include diagrams/pictures of your equipment set up.
 Make sure diagrams, tables and graphs are numbered and appropriately titled.
SECTION 2: ANALYSIS / DATA COLLECTION AND PROCESSING
RAW DATA
 Record ALL relevant data and observations using a table.
 Include quantitative data (E.g. measurements of temperature, mass, volume, absorbance, pressure – all with
the appropriate units).
 Include qualitative observations before and after the experiment. (e.g. “The final color at the endpoint was a
faint pink.”, “During the reaction, the bromine water changed from being a bright yellow to solution of no
color.”)
 Include uncertainty of measurements which can be estimated or is available from the measuring device.
 Within tables of quantitative data, write the units and uncertainty in the column heading.
 Significant digits in the data and the uncertainty in the data must be consistent.
 Use the same number of decimal places for your raw data.
 You are not expected to state the level of precision in the concentration of a solution prepared for you.
PROCESSING / RAW DATA ANALYSIS
 Always process and show your results mathematically in some way.
 Include SI/metric units for your calculated quantities.
 Always provide the mathematical formulas that were used to process results.
 Express your calculated quantities with the proper number of significant figures.
 Provide just one sample calculation where appropriate.
 Consider the uncertainties and errors in your processed data. Propagation of uncertainties must be included.
 The actual values representing averages should be shown in a summary table in this section. Calculations
involving averages should be attached as an appendix, however. Any data excluded when calculating the
average should be highlighted / identified.
 Consider including a paragraph that gives an overview of how and why you decided to process and present the data
in the form that you choose.
 Represent your data GRAPHICALLY. Consider the following when generating graphs.
 Label each axis and include units and uncertainties. Make sure independent variable is on x-axis and the
dependent variable is on the y-axis.
 Make sure that the correct scale is chosen to utilize most of the graph space.
 Title all graphs and make reference to them in your written analysis.
 Use line of best fit to represent any apparent trends. (Graphs should have a minimum of 5 points in order to
identify a trend.) Determine the gradient of the line and extrapolate / interpolate relevant information, if
appropriate.
 Anomalous data (outliers) should be graphed but not included when drawing trend lines. Make reference to
any outliers in the error analysis section and propose reasons for these data points if possible.
PRESENTING PROCESSED DATA
 Include headings or title for calculations, tables and graphs.
 Graphs should have appropriate scales, labeled axes with units and uncertainties, and accurately plotted data points
with a suitable best fit-line or curve (not a scatter graph with data-point to data-point connecting lines).
 Present all the stages of your data processing so that final result can be followed easily.
 Make sure that someone else could understand exactly what your data means.
 Don’t use 1.3 E10-3! Use the proper subscript (lower) and superscript (uppper) forms. (E.g. 3x10-3 is good ; C4H8 is not)
 Include uncertainty bars where significant. (Biology and Physics only)
 Complete a T-test if the data set is suitable. (Biology only)
 Draw lines of minimum and maximum gradients. (Physics only)
 Determine the uncertainty in the best straight-line gradient. (Physics only)
SECTION 3: EVALUATION / CONCLUSION AND LAB DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
 Make a valid conclusion and relate it to the aim or the hypothesis.
 Use detailed scientific knowledge to explain a valid conclusion given the evidence available from your
results.
 Try to identify trends or patterns in the results to back-up your conclusion.
 Explain how your results support or don’t support your original hypothesis, if appropriate.
 You must take into account any systematic or random errors and uncertainties.
 A percentage error should be compared with the total estimated random error as derived from the
propagation of uncertainties.
 "Discuss whether systematic error or further random errors were encountered.
 Include comparisons of different graphs or descriptions of trends shown in graphs.
 When measuring an already known and accepted value of a physical quantity, compare the experimental value with
the textbook or literature value. Be sure to reference the literature used
 If applicable, state the theoretical or expected value and compare your result to it using the % difference calculation
results.
LIMITATIONS OF THE EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
 Identify and discuss significant errors, both systematic and random, and any limitations that could have affected the
outcome/result of your experiment.
CONSIDERATIONS:
 Were there important variables that were not controlled?
 Were there flaws in the procedure you chose which could affect the results?
 Are measurements and observations reliable?
 Were enough trials done to know precision?
Examples:
 Acceptable: “Because the simple calorimeter we used was made from a tin can, some heat was lost to the
surroundings – metals conduct heat well. Therefore, the value obtained for the heat gained by the water in the
calorimeter was lower than it should have been.”
 Unacceptable: “The test tubes weren’t clean”; *Avoid any mention of “Human Error.”!
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT
 Suggest improvements or fixes for the weaknesses you identified in the “Limitations” section.
Proposed modifications may involve suggestions regarding how:
 to reduce or eliminate specific systematic & random errors;
 to improve the control of specified variables;
 to reduce any approximations or assumptions made in the lab;
 to obtain better measurements / more precise data (comment on precision of measurements);
 to improve the chosen procedure / methodology
 State if modifications are unnecessary or impossible.
 Suggestions should be realistic – keep in mind the type of equipment normally available in a high school lab.
 Reference specific pieces of equipment and / or techniques that you used.
 Avoid vague / trivial references such as: “We should have worked more carefully”; “I should have concentrated
more” or “I should have been given a better calorimeter”.
*CONSIDER: Present / discuss weaknesses/limitations and improvements in a table or series of numbered points.
e.g.
WEAKNESSES/LIMITATIONS
SIGNIFICANCE
IMPROVEMENTS
1.
1.
1.
2.
2.
2.
CHEMICALS WE (USUALLY) HAVE IN STOCK:
ACIDS
HYDROXIDES
Glacial Acetic Acid (17.5 M)
Potassium Hydroxide (solid)
Sulfuric Acid (18 M)
Sodium Hydroxide (solid)
Hydrochloric acid (12 M)
Salicylic Acid (solid)
Benzoic Acid (solid)
Potassium Biphthalate (solid)
ALCOHOLS
Ethanol
Methanol
Propan-2-ol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
3-methylbutan-1-ol (Isopentyl Alcohol)
INDICATORS
Universal Indicator
Phenolphthalein
Bromothymol Blue
Bromocresol Green
IODIDES / IODATES
Potassium Iodide
Potassium Iodate
OXIDES
Magnesium Oxide
Manganese Dioxide
SOLUTIONS
Iodine Solution (0.05M)
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
Hydrogen Peroxide (6%)
Benedict's Qualitative Solution
Buffer Solution pH 10 (for calibration)
Buffer Solution pH 7 (for calibration)
Buffer Solution pH 4 (for calibration)
CARBONATES
Calcium Carbonate
Sodium Carbonate
Copper(II) Carbonate
METALS
Zinc
Copper
Aluminum
Magnesium (ribbon)
Nickel
Iron
SULFATES / SULFITES /
THIOSULFATES
Iron(II) Sulfate
Copper(II) Sulfate
Cupric Sulfate, 5-Hydrate
Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Bisulfite
Sodium Thiosulfate
CHLORIDES
Zinc Chloride
Magnesium Chloride
Potassium Chloride
Iron(III) Chloride
Calcium Chloride
Barium Chloride
Copper(II) Chloride
NITRATES
Zinc Nitrate
Magnesium Nitrate
Barium Nitrate
Aluminum Nitrate
Ammonium Nitrate
Lead(II) Nitrate
Silver Nitrate
MISCELLANEOUS
Sodium Acetate
Sodium Phosphate
Propanone (Acetone)
Starch
Silica Sand
*If the chemical you need is not in the list, search the following website and we may be able to order: www.prolabscientific.com
CHEMISTRY I.A. FEEDBACK/SELF-ASSESSMENT
Investigation Title: _______________________________
[0 = missing or non-applicable; 1 = could be improved; 2 = well done]
NAME: _____________________
PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT
0
Evidence of Independent Thinking/ Creativity / Originality / Personal interest / Independent design?
Research question Justified/ Personal Link given?
EXPLORATION / DESIGN
Research question identified and stated clearly?
Research question refers to Independent and Dependent Variables?
Background information adequately researched / supports investigation / personal interest0 in topic?
Independent Variable identified?
Dependent Variable identified?
Controlled variables identified and explained? / How will you control?
Control variables referenced in methodology?
Methodology shows all steps in sufficient detail - so that it could be repeated by an independent researcher?
Accurate and concise details (e.g. size, uncertainties) about the apparatus and materials used is provided?
Labelled Diagram(s) / Images / Photos of Lab set up provided?
At least five changes (intervals) re: Independent variable
Sufficient trials/repeated measurements (3 to 5 per interval)? / Sufficient relevant data collected?
Safety concerns / instructions provided? MSDS sheet referenced?
Environmental and/or disposal concerns addressed? Principles of Green Chemistry referenced?
ANALYSIS / DATA COLLECTION & PROCESSING
All raw data is recorded, properly? (I.e. significant figures? / Units? / Decimal places consistent?)
Uncertainty for each quantitative reading is provided?
All qualitative data to describe what is observed during the experiment provided? (before, during, after)
Evidence of data analysis / processing present? Processing is done correctly? Formulas/units provided?
Propagation of Error included? / Absolute and % uncertainties notated and processed correctly?
Sample calculation provided, if applicable?
Results presented clearly in a table or graph?
Graph has: title, labeled axes, units & uncertainties for both variables, line or curve of best fit, correct
scaling, adequately sized, most of graph space utilized?
Any trends/ patterns identified and explained?
Anomalous data / outliers clearly identified and explained?
EVALUATION / CONCLUSION
Clear and concise conclusion that relates to the initial research question and hypothesis, if applicable?
Conclusion compared to accepted scientific context or trend? (E.g. an accepted/theoretical value.)
Conclusion justified by describing theoretical mechanism, if applicable?
Accuracy (% error) and precision of result/conclusion provided and discussed?
Random and systematic errors identified and discussed?
Limitations, strengths & weaknesses of experiment / procedure identified and discussed?
Realistic improvements / modifications re: identified weaknesses & limitations provided and discussed?
COMMUNICATION
Investigation is well/logically structured? (Has been constructed with the reader in mind.)
Investigation is focused, concise / outcomes are easy to process?
Terminology / spelling / grammar / conventions / graphs / tables utilized are appropriate & correct?
In-text referencing evident?
MLA bibliography?
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