SCIENCE KASPEREK, MULTHAUPT, PFANNES| UAIS|

2010

Extended Essay – Group 4

Overview – Extended essay in Science

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

Must take the form of a research paper involving a hypothesis , model, or critical analysis.

Must demonstrate argumentation, comparison, or the extraction of relevant information or data. A correctly formatted and executed lab

report could meet this criteria.Must have an emphasis on a specific branch

of science Biology Chemistry Physics

Overview – Extended essay in Science

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

The purpose SHOULD NOT BE to inform the reader about a specific topic, nor should it be a summary of the latest discoveries in the specific branch of science.

You should be personally involved with the subject matter and not simply an informant.

Performing an experiment will help to ensure your involvement.

Research

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

Different approaches to research CAN be taken. Data – based: location and extraction of raw or

processed data, not collected directly by the student which is then further defined and analyzed.

Experimental : design and implementation of an experiment, then personal collection and analysis of the data.

Theoretical (numerical): development of a quantitative or semi-quantitative description of some physical phenomenon, exercise of the model, predictions about its behavior and limitations.

Survey: formulation of a cohesive, ordered, analytical and supported (qualitative and quantitative) discussion of the topic.

Combination: some combination of the approaches listed above.

Question: Should students be encouraged to do an original piece of research, or should they analyze (in a new way) data that someone has collected (e.g. data obtained from a previous research study that perhaps has been published in a journal)? If they use existing primary data, I’m assuming that they will carry out an actual experiment?

Does it matter which approach I take?

First –hand Experiments

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

Choose sensible and feasible experiments that do not require extensive lengths of time for the construction of the apparatus.

Highly sophisticated instruments are not requiredIt is recommended that the research for the essay

be carried out under the direction of a school supervisor.

If, the research is carried out at a research institute or university under the guidance of an external supervisor then a cover letter outlining the nature of the supervision and the level of guidance provided.

First –Hand Experiments

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

Choose a research question that can be treated effectively within the word limit and is not of a trivial nature.

Research topics

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

Can be in the form of a question. Example: Do wine bottles of different shapes behave

as helmholtz resonators? Can be presented as a statement or a hypothesis.

The objective is to establish the relationship between power and temperature of an incandescent lamp.

Physics

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

Should have a basis in physical theory and emphasize the essential nature of the subject.

If an interdisciplinary topic is analyzed ONLY the Physics component will be scored.

Avoid topics that go beyond the boundaries of conventional science. For example, metaphysics or pseudo-science. Examples of this:

Physics – Choice of Topic

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

A well-focused, well-defined and realistic topic that allows for an in-depth analysis should be chosen. Broad and complex survey topics, for example,

black holes, gravity, time machines, etc. Will not permit the student to discuss conflicting

ideas and theories. Do not provide an opportunity to work “with” the

materials/concept in a laboratory setting.

Physics - May be unsuitable due to safety issues

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

Carcinogenic substancesRadioactive materialsLasersMicrowavesUV lightNoise Heavy equipment

Warnings: First – hand experiments Physics

Excerpts from: International Baccalaureate Organization 2007 Handbook

Aerodynamics and hydrodynamics are theoretical & experimentally demanding. A topic within these domains must be chosen and defined carefully.

Physics of sports can be a source of excellent topics, although the acquisition of sufficient valid data can sometimes be problematic. The relevant biomechanics can be overwhelming.