Preparing Year 12 IB Chemists for their Internal Assessment

The IB Chemistry Internal Assessment (IA) is an individual scientific investigation that contributes 20% of the final IB grade. It gives students the opportunity to think and work like scientists, applying their chemical knowledge through hands-on practical investigation.

At Bangkok Patana, Year 12 IB Chemistry students complete the experimental phase of their IA during the penultimate week of the academic year. Students studying Chemistry as part of their Group 6 subject step out of the normal timetable for four focused days, allowing them to work carefully, independently and with confidence in the laboratory.

The IA is assessed across four sections: research design, data analysis, conclusion and evaluation. To prepare students for this, the Chemistry department introduced structured IA practice in Term 1B using the topic of rates of reaction.

Students chose one factor affecting reaction rate – temperature, concentration or pressure, surface area, or a catalyst – and designed their own investigation. They developed a research question, explored the background science, planned and tested a method, completed a CLEAPSS risk assessment, and wrote up a full research design. Peer feedback, guided by the IB marking criteria, encouraged reflection and improvement.

This staged approach has made IA preparation engaging, purposeful and manageable, helping students build confidence before moving on to the remaining IA sections in Term 2.