IB Math IA Complete Guide Part 1: An Introduction | Mr. Flynn IB

Mr. Flynn IB
18 Aug 202010:23

TLDRThis video introduces the IB Math IA, a 12-20 page individual written report worth 20% of the final grade. It covers choosing a topic, creating models, and the importance of effort for a good grade. The IA is marked by teachers and moderated by the IB, focusing on five criteria: presentation, mathematical communication, personal engagement, reflection, and mathematics. The speaker encourages students to seek feedback and emphasizes the IA's value in enhancing overall scores, even for those who struggle with math exams.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“š The IB Math IA is a written report of 12 to 20 pages, with the exact length depending on the content and depth of analysis.
  • ๐Ÿ” The IA is the same for both Applications and Analysis, with the only difference being in Criterion E for Standard and Higher Level students.
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸŽ“ It is an individual piece of work, meaning each student chooses and works on their own topic.
  • ๐Ÿ’ป The IA should be word-processed, with Microsoft Word being the recommended tool for its superior equation editor.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ The IA is worth 20% of the overall grade and can significantly impact a student's final result.
  • โฐ It is suggested that completing an IA will take a minimum of 20 hours of dedicated work outside of class.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Students receive one draft with written feedback from the teacher, which is crucial for improving the final submission.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ The IA is marked by the student's teacher and moderated by the IB to ensure consistency and fairness.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š The IA is assessed based on five criteria: presentation, mathematical communication, personal engagement, reflection, and mathematics.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Each criterion contributes to the final grade, making the IA one of the most valuable components in terms of grading.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Personal engagement is key, as demonstrated by the example of a student who incorporated their own skiing experience into their IA.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is an introduction to the IB Math IA (Internal Assessment), explaining what it is and its significance in the overall IB course.

  • What is the recommended length for an IB Math IA report?

    -The recommended length for an IB Math IA report is between 12 to 20 pages, although it can be slightly longer or shorter depending on the content.

  • Is there a difference between the IA requirements for Standard Level and Higher Level students?

    -The only difference between the IA requirements for Standard Level and Higher Level students is in Criterion E. Criteria A, B, C, and D are the same for both levels.

  • What is the significance of the IA in the overall IB Math grade?

    -The IA is worth 20% of the overall grade, which is a significant portion and can greatly influence a student's final grade.

  • How much time is recommended to be spent on the IA?

    -At least 20 hours of independent work at home is recommended to complete the IA effectively.

  • What does the teacher provide in terms of feedback for the IA?

    -The teacher provides one draft with written feedback, which is essential for students to improve their work.

  • How is the IA marked and moderated?

    -The IA is marked by the student's teacher and then moderated by the IB to ensure consistency and accuracy in grading.

  • What are the five criteria against which the IA is assessed?

    -The five criteria are A - Presentation, B - Mathematical Communication, C - Personal Engagement, D - Reflection, and E - Mathematics.

  • Can students discuss their IA ideas with their teacher before submitting the first draft?

    -Yes, students are encouraged to discuss their ideas and ask questions to receive guidance and feedback before submitting their first draft.

  • What is an example of personal engagement in an IA?

    -An example of personal engagement in an IA could be a student conducting an experiment, like going to Ski Dubai and analyzing a snowboard jump, to model mathematically.

  • How can students ensure they choose a good topic for their IA?

    -Students can ensure they choose a good topic by considering their interests, conducting research, and seeking guidance from their teacher, as the teacher will provide advice on the suitability of the topic.

Outlines

00:00

๐Ÿ“š Introduction to the IA: Understanding the Assignment

The speaker introduces the concept of an IA (Individual Assignment) for the first time, explaining its purpose and structure. The IA is a written report of 12 to 20 pages, with the length being a guideline rather than a strict rule. The speaker emphasizes that the IA is an individual project, meaning each student chooses their own topic and works independently. It is typically word-processed, with a preference for Microsoft Word due to its formatting capabilities. The IA is worth 20% of the overall grade, which is significant and can greatly affect a student's final grade. The speaker also mentions that effort and dedication are key to producing a strong IA, and that it's an opportunity for students who struggle with exams to excel.

05:01

๐Ÿ“ Drafting and Feedback: The Process of Refining the IA

The speaker discusses the importance of submitting a good first draft for the IA, as it directly influences the quality of the feedback received. They share an anecdote about a student who submitted an inadequate draft and received minimal feedback. The speaker encourages students to engage with their teachers frequently to improve their work. The IA is marked by the student's teacher and moderated by the IB to ensure consistency in grading. The speaker highlights the five criteria used to evaluate the IA: presentation, mathematical communication, personal engagement, reflection, and mathematics. Each criterion contributes to the 20% of the grade, making these marks particularly valuable. The speaker also reassures students that they are capable of creating a successful IA with the right effort.

10:02

๐ŸŽฟ Personalizing the IA: A Look at a Student's Example

The speaker presents an example of a well-executed IA to give students an idea of what they can achieve. The example IA involves a student investigating a snowboarding trick at Ski Dubai, using mathematical modeling to understand the physics behind the trick. The speaker describes the structure of the IA, which includes an introduction, investigation, mathematical modeling, reflection, and conclusion. The example demonstrates personal engagement by incorporating the student's own experience and interests. The speaker assures students that while the IA may initially seem daunting, it is achievable with dedication and effort, and that they don't necessarily need to undertake a unique personal experience to create a compelling IA.

Mindmap

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กIB Math IA

The term 'IB Math IA' refers to the 'International Baccalaureate Mathematics Internal Assessment.' It is a significant part of the IB Mathematics course, where students conduct an individual research project. In the video, Mr. Flynn introduces the concept of the IA, emphasizing its importance in the overall grade and providing an overview of what it entails.

๐Ÿ’กWritten Report

A 'written report' is a formal document that presents information, research findings, or arguments in a structured manner. In the context of the IB Math IA, it is expected to be between 12 to 20 pages, showcasing the student's mathematical investigation and analysis.

๐Ÿ’กCriteria

In the video, 'criteria' refers to the specific standards or requirements that the IB Math IA must meet. These include presentation, mathematical communication, personal engagement, reflection, and the mathematical content itself, each contributing to the final grading of the IA.

๐Ÿ’กIndividual Piece of Work

This phrase highlights that the IB Math IA is a solo project, meaning each student is responsible for choosing their topic and conducting their research independently. It emphasizes the personal effort and dedication required for the task.

๐Ÿ’กWord Processed

The term 'word processed' in the script suggests that the IA should be typed using word processing software like Microsoft Word. This is recommended for professional presentation, although it is not mandatory as handwritten reports are also accepted.

๐Ÿ’กMicrosoft Word

Microsoft Word is a widely used word processing software. Mr. Flynn specifically recommends it for the IA due to its superior formatting capabilities, including the equation editor, which is beneficial for mathematical expressions.

๐Ÿ’กPersonal Engagement

Personal engagement in the video is demonstrated through the student's active involvement and interest in their chosen topic. It is exemplified by a student who recorded a snowboarding jump and used it as a basis for their mathematical investigation, adding a personal touch to the IA.

๐Ÿ’กReflection

Reflection in the context of the IB Math IA involves the student's contemplation and analysis of their investigation process and findings. It is a critical part of the report where students assess their approach, results, and any challenges encountered.

๐Ÿ’กQuadratic

A 'quadratic' refers to a polynomial of degree two. In the script, a student uses a quadratic function to model a snowboarding jump, demonstrating the application of mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.

๐Ÿ’กMarking and Moderation

The process of 'marking and moderation' involves the teacher's assessment of the IA followed by an IB review to ensure consistency and fairness in grading. The script emphasizes the importance of impressing the teacher with a strong IA to achieve a high overall grade.

๐Ÿ’กFirst Draft

The 'first draft' is the initial version of the IA submitted by the student for feedback. The script mentions the importance of providing a substantial and well-thought-out first draft to receive constructive feedback and improve the final submission.

Highlights

Introduction to the IB Math IA, explaining what it is and its components.

The IA is a written report of 12 to 20 pages, with a guide rather than a strict limit.

The IA is the same for both Applications and Analysis, with differences only in Criterion E for SL and HL.

Criterion A to D are identical for both SL and HL, with differences explained in a later video.

The IA is an individual piece of work, chosen and completed by the student alone.

The IA should be word-processed for clarity and professionalism, with a preference for Microsoft Word.

Incorporating personal elements like sketches can add personality to the IA.

The IA is worth 20% of the overall grade, significantly impacting the final result.

Examples given of how the IA can influence overall grades, emphasizing its importance.

A minimum of 20 hours of dedicated work is recommended to complete the IA effectively.

Students receive one draft with written feedback from the teacher, crucial for improvement.

The teacher's feedback is essential, and students should aim to impress them with their work.

The IA is marked by the teacher and moderated by the IB to ensure consistency.

The IA is assessed against five criteria: Presentation, Mathematical Communication, Personal Engagement, Reflection, and Mathematics.

Each criterion contributes equally to the 20% of the overall grade, making them highly valuable.

A personal example of an IA is shown, demonstrating the process and components involved.

The example IA includes an investigation at Ski Dubai, modeling a snowboard jump with mathematical equations.

The importance of personal engagement in the IA is highlighted through the Ski Dubai example.

Students are encouraged that with effort, everyone can complete a high-quality IA, regardless of their math abilities.