The IB Math IA Guide Will Cover - Math IA Rubric, Process' Key Pointer. The Structure of Your Math IA Investigation And 10 Interesting Math IA Topics That Will Get Your Creative Juices Flowing.
IB Math students will tell you how they’re always on the edge of their seat for some help, but IB Math IA takes that anxiety to an entirely different level. The reality is far from frightening, nonetheless; IB Math IA can be handled well with a unique IB Math IA topic in hand and lots of coffee!
But does that guarantee a dependable 7?
Turns out, it takes more than just a perfect IB Math IA topic to ace the IB Math IA.
How’s that, you’d ask.
From researching several IB Math IA examples to planning the mathematical working of your exploration, your IB Math IA structure is sure to get you into trouble if you don’t give it the time it demands. With all the varied content available in bulk online, the process is bound to become anything but easy.
But worry not!
You are at the right place - The Ultimate Guide to IB Math IA!
This article covers IB Math IA rubrics, process’ key pointers, the structure of the investigation, and interesting IB Math IA topics that will stimulate your mind and help you begin your exploration!
You should also know about the updated course structure of IB Mathematics. Students are allowed to opt for any one of the following four courses of Math:
For more information about choosing your course, check out our latest article: Confused about IB Math AA & IB Math AI?
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For an absolute hold on IB Math, you might want to check out our premium notes designed and curated specially for you, be it IB Mathematics SL or IB Mathematics HL. These bundles are not just limited to notes but offer past year papers and How-to Guides for Extended Essays, Internal Assessments, and more; examples included! You’re in for a smooth ride with these by your side;)
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First things first, let’s understand the criteria. Unless we acknowledge the requirements against which our exploration is scored, it’ll be equivalent to a shot in the dark. The requirements irrespective of whether you opt for SL, HL (AA or AI) are as follows:
Assessment is done on the conciseness, brevity, and clarity/coherence of your investigation. Proper structure must be given to your IA. As per IB guidelines,
a coherent exploration is,
Also, a well-organized exploration,
Assessment is done on the appropriateness of the mathematical terminology, notation, and symbols used to progress the exploration. Symbols and notations should be correctly used as are used in IB textbooks. For example, x2 should not be written as x^2.
Different mathematical representation tools such as tables, graphs, diagrams, if used, must be relevant to the working and must be commented on/explained well. Avoid inconsistent use of Mathematical terminology. Application of ICT Tools(for example- GeoGebra, Desmos) should be made wisely. For Calculations, Graphic Display Calculators can also be used, but that doesn’t outdo math formulas' importance.
Assessment is done on the personal involvement shown. The sure shot way to ensure Engagement is, first and foremost, by going ahead with a topic that interests you (something unique or something that affects real-life situations). Personal Engagement is seen throughout the exploration by:
Avoid portraying superficial interest. Opportunities for demonstration of personal Engagement should not be missed.
Assessment is done on the evaluation and analysis of the investigation. Mentioning the significance of your exploration results, discussing possible limitations, and justifying why you chose the procedure you did can portray a fair reflection of the IA. Merely explaining your results will get you only a score of 1 out of 3. According to IB guidelines, a reflection should be meaningful and critical.
A meaningful reflection includes
A critical reflection entails,
Reflection is an analysis of the student's work, which is seen throughout the exploration, not just the Conclusion.
Assessment is done on the implementation of Mathematics in the IA. It is essential to understand that the Math used should be on par with the course, nothing too simple and nothing you don’t understand. Also, the Mathematics used should be fully understood and engrained by you. Unfamiliar Mathematics, if used, should be explained well by giving personal examples. As per IB guidelines, students are expected to produce work that is,
To score higher levels in Criterion E, it is crucial to understand the meaning of the following terms:
Here is a fully annotated sample IB Math IA, going through which you can gain a lot of insight (Read the annotations properly).
Another such example, Breaking the Code investigation(fully annotated)- is given here for IB Mathematics HL. The IA explores encryption and decryption in the context of Mathematics.
Another interesting annotated sample- for IB Mathematics SL- Regularisation of Irregular Verbs: When can I use the words swimmed and knowed correctly? is given for reference here. Understand which key points have been missed and which have been taken care of. The more you go through sample IAs, the better your chances at preparing an investigation that’ll be scored well.
Just like any other exploration, your IB Math IA expects you to give it a fair shot of effort and interest. If you see it as a burden, it will most certainly become one. Equally important is to draw an analogy between the topic of your choice and the math involved. Taking care of these points in general, let’s understand all that goes into making one’s IB Math IA (a brief outline):
With this, let’s move on to discussing the Structure/Layout of the Investigation. There are numerous guidelines available all over the Internet. Regarding the IA length, though you should keep 6 -12 pages as the prescribed length, your focus should be on including all that pertains to your idea and rule out everything that’s not. So don’t set out with a mindset to refrain from exceeding six pages; set out to include everything you know needs to be. Similarly, it is advised to make sure the Math used is suitable for SL and HL levels.
Without any further adieu, let’s highlight what the layout of the IA should look like:
Now that we’re comfortable with IB Math IA structure let’s look at some interesting IB Math IA topics that will get your creative juices flowing and will help you kickstart your Math IA journey today!
And that’s a wrap!
IB Mathematics IA, just like any other IA, needs to be started early so that you don’t end up compiling just anything at the last minute!
Give it the time it needs, and it will surely pay off. It might seem heavy, but once you make up your mind to pursue an idea of your liking, there will be no turning back! Keep in mind the essential pointers and win the battle courageously!
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We hope this article will serve as a solid foundation for your Math IB Internal Assessment.
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