A very challenging component of the IB Chemistry course is the IB Chemistry Investigation (IA). Students research the literature, propose a unique research question, design an experimental protocol, and carry out the practical phase (approximately 10 hours) to collect data.

They write a written report of their investigation which is submitted to the IB and makes up 20% of their final IB grade. Grade 11 students have been very busy and have just completed the practical phase of their investigation.

Research projects included the effect of Fe3+ concentration of absorption capacity of the polymer commonly found in menstrual products and diapers, factors affecting extraction of fountain pen ink from paper and the effect of dehydration time on the Vitamin C content of kiwi fruit amongst others. All students (and the teacher!) were very nervous at the start of the practical phase and more than one experimental protocol needed to be ‘revisited’ before the second practical session.

By the end of the 10 hour period, all students were beginning to look distinctly professional in their approach to experimentation and their practical skills had gone through an order of magnitude improvement. They even had some fun in the process. Watch the video to get a feel for how they got on!