chemistry ib extended essay topics

Chemistry Extended Essay Topic Ideas and RQs for IB Students

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

Greetings, future innovators and explorers of the chemical world! As a co-founder of Writing Metier , a platform dedicated to fostering the academic growth of IB students, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to THE LIST of good and the most important – working IB Chemistry extended essay topics. 

The adventure through chemistry is a quest for knowledge, spanning the micro to the macro, from the intricacies of molecular bonds to the grandeur of environmental chemistry. 

Our mission is to light the path for your exploration, offering a rich array of topics that serve as academic pursuits and as gateways to real-world impact. 

Thanks to the help of our IB writers , no I am able to break the list into various categories to cover as many ideas as possible.

Here’s a comprehensive guide that spans various aspects of chemistry, designed to spark curiosity and encourage in-depth exploration.

Organic Chemistry

• Synthesis of Biofuels : Investigating methods for producing biofuels from organic waste materials.
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry : Exploring the synthesis and analysis of pharmaceutical compounds.
• Green Chemistry : Developing sustainable and environmentally friendly synthesis methods.

Inorganic Chemistry

• Coordination Compounds : Examining the properties and applications of coordination compounds in medicine and industry.
• Catalysis : Investigating the role of catalysts in speeding up chemical reactions, with a focus on industrial applications.
• Metal Extraction : Analyzing methods for extracting metals from ores using different chemical processes.

Physical Chemistry

• Thermodynamics : Exploring the energy changes that occur during chemical reactions.
• Kinetics : Investigating the factors that affect the rate of chemical reactions.
• Spectroscopy : Using spectroscopy techniques to identify chemical compounds.

Environmental Chemistry

• Atmospheric Chemistry : Studying the chemical composition of the atmosphere and its impact on climate change.
• Water Quality Analysis : Analyzing pollutants in water sources and their effects on the environment.
• Soil Chemistry : Investigating soil contamination and remediation techniques.

Analytical Chemistry

• Food Chemistry : Examining the chemical processes involved in food production and preservation.
• Forensic Chemistry : Using chemical analysis to solve forensic cases.
• Pharmaceutical Analysis : Determining the composition and purity of pharmaceutical products.

Theoretical Chemistry

• Quantum Chemistry : Exploring the application of quantum mechanics to chemical problems.
• Computational Chemistry : Using computer simulations to solve chemical problems and predict the properties of molecules.
• Molecular Modeling : Designing and modeling new molecules for specific applications.

Materials Chemistry

• Nanotechnology : Investigating the synthesis and application of nanomaterials.
• Polymer Chemistry : Studying the synthesis and properties of polymers.
• Battery Technology : Exploring the chemistry behind battery materials and energy storage solutions.

Whether you’re passionate about creating sustainable solutions or unraveling the complexities of chemical reactions, this guide is designed to spark your imagination and set the stage for a journey of significant discovery.

Before I proceed to the list, I’ll also suggest that everyone who is interested in Chemistry check our article with the awesome IB IA Chemistry topics list. Moreover,you can always get assistance with writing your IB Chemistry extended essay from our experts at Writing Metier.

Each topic you’ll encounter is a step toward not only mastering the principles of chemistry but also applying them in ways that challenge, innovate, and inspire.

Are you ready for the list?

IB Chemistry EE Topic Ideas List

Below is a list of Chemistry Extended essay topics and research questions for each subcategory I’ve mentioned above, designed to align with IB Extended Essay criteria and, most importantly, spark interest in ambitious students who selected IB Diploma Program.

We’re stepping into an arena where the building blocks of life become the playground for our curiosity. 

Here, we explore how everything from the fuels that power our world to the medicines that keep us healthy are crafted. It’s a space where creativity meets science, transforming simple carbon chains into complex life-improving compounds.

Synthesis of Biofuels

• Research Question: How do varying feedstocks affect the efficiency and sustainability of biofuel production?
• Research Question: Which method offers a more sustainable and efficient pathway for biodiesel production: enzymatic or chemical?

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

• Research Question: How does the synthesis process affect the purity and effectiveness of aspirin?
• Research Question: Can specific chemical compounds enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics against resistant bacteria?

Green Chemistry

• Research Question: How do catalysts improve the efficiency and environmental impact of biodegradable plastics synthesis?
• Research Question: How can the principles of green chemistry be applied to reduce waste in industrial chemical syntheses?

Moving on from the carbon-centric universe of Organic Chemistry, we find ourselves in the diverse and often colorful world of Inorganic Chemistry. 

This is where metals, minerals, and other non-carbon elements take center stage, revealing a spectrum of compounds that influence everything from technology to medicine.

In Inorganic Chemistry, we venture beyond the realm of carbon to explore the vast array of elements that make up our world. From the coordination compounds that color our fireworks to the metals at the heart of our electronic devices, this field is about the endless possibilities that arise when we combine different elements from the periodic table.

Coordination Compounds

• Research Question: How does changing ligands in coordination compounds affect their color and absorption spectra?
• Research Question: How do specific coordination compounds enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic reactions?
• Research Question: How do heterogeneous catalysts compare in efficiency and selectivity in the production of biofuels?
• Research Question: Can nano-catalysts significantly improve the decomposition rates of common industrial pollutants?

Metal Extraction

• Research Question: How do different hydrometallurgical techniques affect the efficiency and purity of copper extraction?
• Research Question: Is bioleaching a more environmentally friendly method for gold extraction compared to traditional methods?

As we leave the tangible world of compounds and crystals, we approach the more abstract but equally thrilling domain of Physical Chemistry. 

Here, we zoom in even further, examining the very essence of chemical reactions and the energy that powers them.

Welcome to Physical Chemistry, where the micro meets the macro in the most fascinating ways. This is where we get to decode the secrets behind the energy changes in reactions , the speed at which they occur, and the advanced techniques we use to peek into the molecular realm. 

It’s like being a detective, but for molecules, uncovering clues about how and why reactions happen.

Thermodynamics

• Research Question: How do temperature changes affect the efficiency and voltage output of electrochemical cells?
• Research Question: How do energy changes in endothermic and exothermic reactions compare in terms of reaction spontaneity?
• Research Question: How does the introduction of different catalysts affect the decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide?
• Research Question: How does varying the temperature influence the rate of esterification reactions?

Spectroscopy

• Research Question: How effective is UV-Vis spectroscopy in measuring the concentration of specific pollutants in water samples?
• Research Question: How can infrared spectroscopy be used to identify and distinguish between different organic compounds?

From the microscopic interactions in Physical Chemistry, we broaden our view to the impact of chemicals on our planet in Environmental Chemistry. It’s about understanding how chemical reactions don’t just happen in labs but are ongoing in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that feeds us.

Environmental Chemistry takes us into the heart of our natural world, examining how chemicals play a role in everything from the air quality in our cities to the health of our oceans. 

This is our chance to see how chemistry directly impacts our environment and what we can do to protect it. It’s a call to action, using our chemical knowledge for the greater good.

Atmospheric Chemistry

• Research Question: What role do nitrogen oxides play in the formation of urban smog, and how can their impact be mitigated?
• Research Question: How does the chemical composition of rainwater in industrial areas reflect the presence of atmospheric pollutants?

Water Quality Analysis

• Research Question: How do agricultural runoff and the presence of nitrates and phosphates affect the quality of water in local waterways?
• Research Question: What are the sources and potential health impacts of heavy metal contamination in urban drinking water supplies?

Soil Chemistry

• Research Question: How does acid rain alter soil pH levels and affect the availability of essential nutrients for plant growth?
• Research Question: What are the most effective chemical remediation techniques for restoring oil-contaminated soils?

After considering the broad environmental impacts, let’s zoom back in on the specifics with Analytical Chemistry. Here, we focus on the tools and techniques that allow us to measure, analyze, and understand the chemical makeup of our world.

In Analytical Chemistry, it’s all about the details. Whether we’re testing food for safety, analyzing forensic evidence, or ensuring the quality of pharmaceuticals, this field equips us with the precision to quantify the chemical components of various substances. 

It combines chemistry and detective work, where accuracy can solve mysteries and save lives.

Food Chemistry

• Research Question: How can chromatographic techniques be used to detect and quantify adulterants in olive oil?
• Research Question: How do different cooking methods affect the retention of vitamin C in commonly consumed vegetables?

Forensic Chemistry

• Research Question: How can chemical analysis of bodily fluids contribute to determining the time of death in forensic investigations?
• Research Question: How can the composition and distribution of gunshot residue be used to reconstruct crime scenes?

Pharmaceutical Analysis

• Research Question: How do different storage conditions affect the stability and efficacy of vitamin supplements?
• Research Question: What methods can be used to evaluate the purity and dosage accuracy of over-the-counter painkillers?

Leaving the hands-on world of analysis, we venture into the theoretical landscapes of Theoretical Chemistry. This is where imagination and mathematics converge , allowing us to predict and model the behaviors of atoms and molecules in ways we can’t always see.

Theoretical Chemistry invites us into a world of possibilities, where we use computers and equations to unlock the mysteries of chemical behavior. 

Here, we’re not just observing what happens; we’re predicting what could happen, exploring everything from the quantum level to complex molecular structures. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what we know and venturing into new territories of understanding.

Quantum Chemistry

• Research Question: How does quantum chemistry contribute to predicting the interaction between drugs and their target molecules?
• Research Question: How can quantum mechanics principles be applied to explain the bonding and structure of complex molecules?

Computational Chemistry

• Research Question: How can computational chemistry techniques be used to predict protein folding and its implications for diseases?
• Research Question: How accurate are computational methods in estimating the energies of chemical reactions compared to experimental data?

Molecular Modeling

• Research Question: How can molecular modeling be used to design efficient catalysts for use in green chemistry applications?
• Research Question: How does molecular modeling aid in the development of new materials for renewable energy sources, such as solar cells?

From the abstract models of Theoretical Chemistry, we transition to the tangible innovations of Materials Chemistry. This field is where theory meets application, leading to the development of new materials that shape the future of technology and society.

Materials Chemistry is where innovation takes form. From the nanomaterials that could revolutionize medical treatments to the polymers that reduce our environmental footprint, this field is about creating the future. 

It’s an exciting intersection of chemistry, engineering, and imagination, driving us towards solutions for some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Nanotechnology

• Research Question: How can nanoparticles be engineered to improve the efficiency and targeting of drug delivery systems?
• Research Question: How do nanomaterials contribute to enhancing the efficiency of solar panels?

Polymer Chemistry

• Research Question: How do biodegradable polymers decompose, and what is their environmental impact compared to conventional plastics?
• Research Question: How can conductive polymers be used in the development of flexible electronic devices?

Battery Technology

• Research Question: What are the key chemical reactions that occur in lithium-ion batteries, and how do they affect battery life and efficiency?
• Research Question: What are the most promising chemical alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for sustainable energy storage solutions?

These topics and research questions aim to inspire IB Chemistry students to explore the frontiers of chemical science, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for the subject’s potential to address real-world challenges.

I hope these ideas will help in understanding the fundamental processes that shape our world and how we can harness them to improve our lives and protect our planet.

Select IB Chemistry EE Topic Wisely, My Friend

As I wrap up this guide with an amazing and detailed list of IB Chemistry Extended essay topics, I hope you feel inspired and ready to take on the challenge. 

The journey ahead is one of inquiry and perseverance, where your questions and experiments can lead to insights that resonate far beyond the classroom. At Writing Metier, our commitment to your success is unwavering. 

We’re here to assist you with all the complexities of your research and writing process, ensuring that your Extended Essay stands as a testament to your dedication and intellectual curiosity. 

As you select your topic, remember that your work has the potential to illuminate unknown aspects of chemistry and make a meaningful contribution to the scientific community. 

With Writing Metier’s chemistry essay writers by your side, your exploration into chemistry is not just an academic requirement; it’s an opportunity to leave your mark on the field. Together, let’s turn curiosity into discovery, transforming the theoretical into the tangible.

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the complete ib extended essay guide: examples, topics, and ideas.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Business Management 1
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Chemistry 4
• Chemistry 5
• Chemistry 6
• Chemistry 7
• Computer Science 1
• Economics 1
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2
• Environmental Systems and Societies 1
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Geography 4
• Geography 5
• Geography 6
• Literature and Performance 1
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Mathematics 5
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Philosophy 5
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Psychology 4
• Psychology 5
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• Visual Arts 5
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2
• World Religion 3

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Chemistry Extended Essay: Definition, Criteria, And Topics  

by  Antony W

October 30, 2023

This is the complete guide on IB Chemistry extended essay.

Whether you’re currently considering a subject to write your EE on or you’ve already made up your mind that you’ll write an extended essay on Chemistry, you’ll find this post useful.

What’s a Chemistry Extended Essay?

An extended essay in Chemistry offers you the chance to study a specific area of the environment’s components.

Within a more broad set of research standards, these lengthy, 4,000-word essays must highlight a particular aspect in the Chemistry subject.

The result of the study should be a logical and organized piece of writing that effectively tackles a certain subject or research question and reaches a specific, and ideally personal, conclusion.

What’s the Assessment Criteria for Chemistry EE?

The following is the assessment criteria used for Chemistry extended essay:

Criterion A: Research Question  

The research question of your Chemistry extended essay must be distinct and narrowly focused, relevant to the field of study, and centered specifically on the subject.

Criterion B: Introduction

The objective of the introduction is to contextualize the research topic. Present an underlying chemical theory required to comprehend how the research issue arose.

Criterion C: Investigation

For non-experimental essays, explain how you chose the data. Differentiate between primary sources and demonstrate an understanding of the reliability of each.  

For experimental tasks, provide sufficient information to allow independent researchers to replicate the experiment if necessary.

You should make it clear which experiments you have devised from scratch and which ones you have modified from existing methodologies.

Criterion D: Knowledge of the Topic

You must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the chemistry behind the setting of your research issue and subsequent study.

You don’t have to explain the fundamental chemistry covered in the chemistry course, but you should demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of the necessary concepts and can appropriately apply them.

Criterion E: Reasoned Argument

You should be aware of the necessity to provide a developing argument in the body of your writings.

Consideration and comparison of diverse methodologies and methods directly pertinent to the research issue will almost likely be a component of a convincing argument in chemistry.

Criterion F: Application Analysis & Skill Evaluation

Demonstrate a comprehensive comprehension of the dependability of the facts utilized to support the case. Identify inadequate experimental design or systemic flaws and mention the extent of physical data uncertainty.

Models should allow for approximations, and there should be a proper scrutinizing of all assumptions. Wherever feasible, use secondary sources or direct computations to verify the quality of sources accessed or data provided.

Criterion G: Language Choice

Use the correct chemistry language and nomenclature consistently and efficiently throughout the essay.

Criterion H: Conclusion

The conclusion must be consistent with the stated argument and should not just repeat information from the introduction or include new or irrelevant arguments.

Criterion I: Formal Presentation

Stick to the structure (or format) recommended for the Chemistry Extended Essay.

Criterion J: Abstract

The abstract is evaluated based on the clarity with which it provides a summary of the study and essay, not on the quality of the research question, argument, or conclusions.

Criterion K: Holistic Judgement

Make sure you attend all the extended essay reflections and have your supervisor comment on your EE.

How to Choose IB Chemistry EE Topics

Chemistry is the study of the composition, classification, and change of substances. Therefore, an extended essay in chemistry should include chemical principles and theory, and it should underline the core character of chemistry, which is the study of matter and its transformations.

1. Pick a Topic Specific to Chemistry

Although the same evaluation criteria apply to all extended essays, it is essential that the emphasis of the extended essay in this subject be on chemistry and not on another subject. In other words, the topic you choose for a chemistry extended essay must provide a chemistry-based approach treated from a chemical standpoint.

2. Your Topic Should Be Very Specific

The topic’s breadth and accompanying research should allow for the consideration of all criteria.

An excellent subject is one that focuses on a single research question and adequately addresses the issue within the 4,000-word limit. 

Perhaps the most crucial component is your ability to provide an in-depth analysis of the issue.

Broad or complex topics will not allow you to discuss opposing ideas and theories or produce an in-depth personal analysis within the word limit.

3. Avoid Topics Linked to Health and Safety Concerns

Some topics may not be acceptable for examination due to safety concerns. For example, you should avoid experiments that involves the use of poisonous or hazardous chemicals, carcinogenic compounds, or radioactive materials unless suitable safety equipment and competent supervision are available.

Other topics may not be appropriate since there’s already a documentation of the outcome. Such topics don’t leave room for personal involvement.

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How Should You Treat Your Chemistry Extended Essay Topic?

You can base your Chemistry extended essay on literature, theoretical models, or empirical evidence.

Regardless of the category or combination of categories you choose, you must verify that adequate data is available for review and you can explore the issue by utilizing locally accessible resources.

If you choose to write an extensive essay based on literature or surveys, you must ensure the essay’s chemical foundation is evident.

Since chemistry is an experimental discipline, you are highly encouraged, but not required, to do experiments as part of their studies. Before beginning experimental work, you should conduct background study on the topic to conduct your research within the right framework.

If you include experiments in your work, you’ll need to go a step further to provide a clear and succinct description of the experiment. You should explicitly specify whether you devised the experiment yourself, or provide the source of an existing experiment technique you utilized and explain how you changed and enhanced it.

Examples of the Best Chemistry Extended Essay Topics

The following are examples of some of the best Chemistry extended essay topics for inspiration and direction:

• What effect does acid rain have on the trees, plants, and public gardens in your neighborhood?
• Analyze the chemical composition of various types of lava and magma rocks from across the world.
• Examine the short- and long-term consequences of vitamin deficiency in people.
• What kinds of chemical components are responsible for the majority of food allergies?
• Discuss the chemical changes that occur in aging human bodies.
• What effect do pesticides have on soil runoff and what do the facts say should be done?
• Examine the chemistry of MDMA and other “nightclub” or designer drugs in users of various ages.
• Analyze the impact of radon and explain why it poses such a threat to human health.
• Examine how chemical experiments and the knowledge gained from them have altered the globe.
• How has the usage of fluoride in the community’s water supply benefited and harmed the community?
• Discuss the chemistry involved when sugar is used as a battery source.
• Can you explain the rationale behind capturing and using carbon dioxide?
• What chemical difference does choosing organic foods vs pesticide-treated foods have on our bodies?
• Analyze the chemical changes that occur when various culinary materials are used to prepare various dishes.
• Analyze the substances involved in the occurrence of various food allergies.
• Discuss the distinctions between the various types of milk and explain it compares to the milk of other animals.
• What impact have big cosmetics manufacturers made on our contemporary understanding of chemistry?
• What type of chemistry is involved in making generic medications cheaper than brand-name pharmaceuticals?
• Examine the chemical components of diet drinks and their impact on the human body.

Chemistry EE Checklist

Your Chemistry extended essay is no doubt going to be a challenging assignment, but you can score a 34 nonetheless if you understand and give what your IB teacher is looking for.

The table below is a summary of a checklist you can use to score top marks for the assignment:

If you observe all the points on the checklist above, there’s no reason why you should fail your Chemistry extended essay assignment.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

IB EE examples for all subjects

Filter exemplars, to what extent can four seasons hotel’s success be attributed to its corporate culture and isadore sharp’s leadership style, to what extent does the type of alcohol used in the fischer-speier esterification reaction affect the average rate of reaction as measured through back titration., want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, what effect does the difference in radius at the top and bottom of the roller coaster loop have on the maximum change in g-force that a passenger experiences, to what extent does global self-esteem influence academic performance, to what extent has google's diversification into the wearables industry increased its profitability, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, to what extent has the change in corporate leadership at apple inc. from steve jobs to tim cook impacted the company's innovation and product development, how is the lift at various angles of attack affected by flap deflection angles, to what extent does vivienne westwood's sustainable fashion initiatives provide it with a competitive advantage over other luxury brands, what is the relationship between the height of the siphon and the flow velocity out of the siphon, how does the total energy supplied during ultrasonic cavitation of benzene affect the integrated photoluminescence intensity and quantum yield of graphene quantum dots (gqds), how have amazon's market strategies contributed in successfully growing its e-commerce business internationally, how has apple used sustainable innovation to gain a competitive edge, to what extent do different concentrations of magnesium nitrate (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 mm) affect the concentration of chlorophyll a and b in ocimum basilicum at 645 nm and 662 nm wavelength using spectrophotometer, fluid’s density effect on falling objects, to what extent has zoom’s freemium business model influenced its market leadership position in the north american video conferencing market from 2020 to 2021, how do different concentrations of punica granatum extracts: peel, flower and leaves (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/ml) affect the rate of reaction of α-amylase and compare with metformin (anti-diabetic drug) as measured by a spectrophotometer at 587nm, to what extent were queer people liberated in weimar germany, 1919-1933, to what extent were the nuremberg trials defendants afforded a fair due process, how does the concentration of harpagoside, which is identified by the surface area of the spot on the chromatography paper, changes in the equine mane over the period of one month after gradual consumption of the supplement “devil’s claw”, to what extent have tesla’s distinct marketing strategies been effective at promoting its automotive business”, how do the angular momentum and orbital velocity affect the eccentricities of planetary orbits, to what extent was amazon’s decision to expand into the physical grocery retail industry a successful change management strategy, to what extent has the vehicular emissions scheme (ves) been effective in increasing the consumption of light electric vehicles between 2018 and 2020 in singapore, to what extent have the corporate social responsibility (csr) policies of the body shop (tbs) have increased its customer base in the united kingdom (uk) cosmetic market since 2018-2020, to what extent can the growth of disney+ be sustained as the pandemic’s effects begin to wear off, how do changes in viscosity of fluid affect the speed and amplitude of surface waves that are generated by an impact of spherical object, how does increasing the angle of a simple pendulum affect its time period, to what extent was german defeat in the battle of stalingrad a result of german failures, to what extent can robert iger's leadership style influence the organisational culture and creative success of the walt disney company, to what extent did logistical and environmental implications hinder napoleon’s victory in the russian campaign of 1812, to what extent does varying the duration (0 mins, 5 mins, 10 mins, 15 mins, 20 mins, 25 mins) at which a 25% solution consisting of ethanol-dissolved ayurvedic spices (curcumin and black cumin) is maintained at 60°c affect the antimicrobial activity of these spices against a k12 strain of escherichia coli, how does varying the solution ph and sodium ethanoate concentration affect the rate and yield of ethane production from its electrolysis, to what extent were legal measures responsible for the exclusion of jews from german society from 1933-1938, to what extent has spotify’s podcast innovation been an effective growth strategy to increase its profitability, to what extent has innovation and product development contributed to apple being a market leader, “how quick is the rate of neutralization of 5 cm3, 1 m sodium hydroxide by fatty acids, produced through the hydrolysis of milk fat, catalyzed by lipase enzyme from different seeds”, to what extent is mental cognitive specific imagery an effective strategy in enhancing skill specific performance for individual athletes, to what extent is schizophrenia developed through inheritance, how does the velocity of a bicycle on a flat horizontal surface affect its stability, how successful has netflix inc.’s content strategy been at ensuring market and financial growth.

Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay

• Reflections
• Choose a Subject
• Choose a Topic
• Draft a Research Question
• Develop Your Search Strategy

Chemistry EE Overview

Narrowing your topic in chemistry, acceptable source types for chemistry ees, recommended databases, website sources, ee examples.

• Computer Science
• Visual Arts
• World Studies
• Introduction
• Academic Integrity
• Common Questions
• For Supervisors

Chemistry EEs need to emphasize the chemical aspects of the subject matter, incorporating chemical principles and theory, and emphasize the study of matter and of the changes it undergoes. (See the IB's  Chemistry: Subject-specific guidance .)

The following is a comparison of Chemistry EE topics to demonstrate the focus and specificity your topic should have.

(Source: Chemistry: Subject-specific guidance , IB)

Subject Options

a. Experiment-based essay: The focus with experiment-based essays is the primary data produced as a result of the experiment(s) conducted by students. Secondary sources in the form of scientific publications should be used to support a line of argument or indicate where the student has adapted their approach so as to produce different results. A consideration of the quality of the secondary source should also be offered to identify limitations or weaknesses in approach, method and so forth. Note: there are restrictions placed on the use of animals and humans when it comes to experiment-based essays. Check the IB Policy ‘Guidelines for the use of animals in IB World Schools’.

b. Non-experiment-based essay: Non-experiment-based (literature) essays should effectively question the reliability of the secondary source material used, and offer some insight into the strengths and limitations of the methodological approaches taken by the secondary sources.

Source Options

Source: Lekanides, K. (2016).  Extended Essay Course Companion.  Oxford University Press.

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100 IB Extended Essay Topic Ideas!

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Read on to find inspiration for topics across a wide range of subjects.

Extended Essay: The Love/Hate aspect of the IB

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Annoyingly, coming up with that idea and research question can be the toughest part of the entire process. Writing 4,000 words about something you are interested in is a big ask and it often feels impossible to narrow down your thoughts. To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to create your own research question !

Get Support from A Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today !

How to Begin Your IB Extended Essay

To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to  create your own research question !

Get Support from a Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna, we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today!

10 Steps to Writing an Extended Essay

Before we look at specific topics for your essay, let’s recap the 10-steps you’ll need to follow to complete your extended essay.

1. Define the Topic and Draft the Research Question

2. Create a Timeline

3. Identify and gather Sources

4. Set Deadlines

5. Plan the structure according to the total word count

6. Evaluate

7. independent Research

8. Write the extended essay draft

10. Present

By following the steps above, you should be able to produce a logical and coherent rationale to follow when writing the extended essay for your IB diploma programme.

By starting with a solid research question, you’ll be able to put an extended essay of global significance together, from the research and writing process all the way through to your final submission with a favourable extended essay grade.

Below, we’re sharing 10 topics across 10 subjects to inspire your next IB extended essay.

1. How the change of habitat affects an X organism?

2. How does climate affect the growth of X plant?

3. Can photosynthesis take place without sunlight?

4. What is the effect of age and gender on the photoreceptor cells in the human retina?

5. How is climate change impacting the appearance of coral reefs?

6. An evaluation of how  antioxidants  work in our bodies?

7. Does hand sanitizer, hand soap or antibacterial wipes have the greatest ability to inhibit the growth of E. Coli?

8. To what extent do live cultures in yogurts/milk/other dairy products reduce the concentration of lactose present over the course of a 2 hour incubation period at x°C?

9. What is the relationship between  population density  between X and population size of X?

10. What is the relationship between indoleacetic acid, a growth hormone, and the growth of X (a crop)?

11. How does human influence impact an aquatic ecosystem?

12. How can one organize a pollution check along a X canal in X?

13. What is the effect of the increased ecological footprint in the  Amazon ?

14. What are the forest and woodland restoration in Siberia, Russia and which one is most effective?

15. How does human interference cause ecological imbalances in an X city/country/continent?

16. What is the impact of urban development on the  bee population  in X city?

17. What are the differences in the conversation efforts in Yosemite National Park (California, USA) and the Lake District National Park (UK)?

18. To what extent have healthcare policies in X country influenced their human population curve?

19. How have changes in environmental systems influenced the value system of X country?

20. How has X landfill site affected the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem?

21. What is the profitability of  airline companies ?

22. How does unemployment affect the market?

23. Why did X recession occur?

24. How did the financial Policy affect the economy in X?

25. How effective are government policies in reducing overconsumption of alcohol (specifically hard liquor)?

26. To what extent are public buses and subways substitute goods in a country?

27. How did the tax reform in country x affect its growth and development? (many countries to choose from)

28. To what extent was weak government policy responsible for the Latin American financial crisis of 1997?

29. How effective is the  Big Mac Index  in measuring purchasing power parity?

30. To what extent would the UK suffer from leaving the European Customs Union if Brexit happens?

31. Is there an association between viewing violence on television and the display of violent acts?

32. What motivational climate should a coach employ in order to achieve optimal performance in athletes?

33. How does  X hormone affect human behavior ?

34. Compare theories explaining altruism in human behaviour

35. Discuss short-term and long-term consequences of exposure to violence

36. Why do relationships change or end?

37. Discuss how  social variables (poverty, parenting, educational environment) may the affect cognitive environment.

38. To what extent do mirror neurons play a role in empathy? (2014)

39. To what extent does Mindfulness help people cope with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

40. To what extent is drug therapy effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

41. Does the British Parliamentary reforms act of 1832 deserve its title as the great reform act?

42. To what extent are there similarities in Hitler and Mussolini’s Rise to Power?

43. To what extent did Mao’s tackle the problems which he faced?

44. Was Tsar Alexander II of Russia reforms a success or failure?

45. To what extent was the bombing of Dresden in 1945 justifiable?

46. To what extent can  Sweden be considered neutral during WWII ?

47. The impact of structural economic weakness on the collapse of the Soviet Union.

48. How were women treated differently in 1920s and 1950s Great Britain?

49. Why did Israel win the  Six Day War  of 1967?

50. What role did economics play in the unification of Germany from 1834 to 1871?

English Literature

51. What are the Compare and Contrast Jane Austen Books?

52. How does Joseph Conrad’s portray Racism in A Heart of Darkness?

53. How does Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman critique today’s capitalist society? The American Dream?

54. To what extent does Chris McCandless in Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild escape familial influence?

55. What are the similarities and differences between J.K. Rowling’s characterization of Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?

56. How does Yaa Gyasi use structure in her novel Homegoing to portray the evolution of time?

57. What is the impact of the social context on Holden Caufield and Huckleberry Finn?

58. How does Sylvia Path’s use of Inanimate objects in Bell Jar?

59. How is the empowerment of Feminine portrayed in the Lord of the Rings?

60. Compare the political rhetoric as used in the inaugural addresses of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

61. The design, construction and calibration of an apparatus for measuring lipid concentration in milk.

62. What is the effect of a change in the optimal lift on the horizontal gliding distance of an aircraft?

63. How does the sugar concentration affect the refractive index of water?

64. How does temperature affect the viscosity of X juice/soda?

65. Is the relationship between temperature and conductivity and insulators and conductors?

66. What is the Oberth Effect?

67. What is the temperature dependence of work performed on an AA battery?

68. How can the rotational frequency of a fan driven by a flame measure distance?

69. Do wine bottles of different shapes behave as Helmholtz resonators?

70. How does the diameter of a wheel affect stability in different weather conditions?

71. What factors influence the location of industries in country/city X?

72. An investigation into the significance of preserving the quality of water in a continent/country/city?

73. An investigation into the degree to which City X can be considered a Sustainable City/Community.

74. To what extent is Biodiversity being managed successfully in city X?

75. To what extent does the education and employment of women affect Country x’s fertility rate?

76. To what extent do gender, educational attainment, and working parameters influence obesity risk?

77. To what extent has urban development affected human thermal comfort levels in Country/city x (a country/city that has developed in a rapid rate over the past decades)?

78. To what extent is the Company x corporate waste management program effective, demonstrating environmental sustainability?

79. To what extent is biodiversity being managed successfully at National Park X?

80. What types of urban design encourage high rates of vandalism in X neighbourhoods?

81. The kinetics of Enzymatic Reactions.

82. How do Iron Intake Diets differ in X country?

83. What are the different factors that affect the iodine values in cooking oils?

84. What is the effect of standing time and temperate on the acid content in X juice or soda?

85. Can caffeine in tea or coffee be reduced?

86. What is the effect of temperature on the souring of milk?

87. What are the sources of error in calorimetry?

88. Does brushing your teeth affect the pH in your mouth after eating?

89. How does changing the concentration of the reagents affect the formation and spacing between Liesehang rings in the reaction between X chloride and X when conducted in a test tube?

90. What effect does the coating of aspirin tablets have on the hydrolysis of aspirin?

Social and Cultural Anthropology

91. How clothing relates to the cultural anthropology of X culture.

92. The extent to which social media networks affect different societies.

93. The relationship between ritual, myths and faith in an X society.

94. The history of rituals in X culture.

95. How different marriage rituals inform the cultural anthropology of X culture.

96. Climate change and its impact on the evolution of different creatures on the planet.

97. Understanding the social and cultural anthropology of the supernatural in X culture.

98. An analysis of body modification in relation to social and cultural anthropology.

100. Chaste systems and social ranks in societies.

There are so many class subjects that can form the basis of your extended essay, including these popular six subjects:

– Information technology

– Computer science

– Health science

– World studies

– Visual arts

– Business management

Extended essays are a great way to improve your writing skills in academic writing. Essays of a high standard that demonstrate critical thinking and in depth analysis can be submitted to academic journals. These have the potential to reach the global society.

Start Writing Your Extended Essay Topic

We hope this gave you some great inspiration for the variation of topics available for your Extended Essay . The research question you select is what will carry you through the entire process, so be sure to choose wisely!

Remember, if you are looking for more help with your Extended Essay, make sure to check out our guide which will tell you exactly how to plan, structure, research and write your Extended Essay!

Grab Free Extended Essay Resources!

No matter the subject groups in your diploma program, we’re here to help all of our IB students. Whether you’re writing about social and cultural anthropology, business management, design technology, or scientific methods for your IB diploma, Lanterna has you covered.

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IB Chemistry/Extended Essay

• 1.1 Non-coalescing drops
• 1.2 Thiosulphate/acid reaction (‘disappearing cross’)
• 1.3 How can we assess the amount of oil contamination on beaches?
• 1.4 Synthesis and isolation of propanoic acid from propan-1-ol.
• 1.5 Making biodiesel from waste vegetable oil.
• 1.6 Analysing the gases remaining after burning a candle in a gas jar.
• 1.7 Extraction of caffeine from tea.
• 1.8 Other suggestions
• 1.9 References

Suggestions [ edit | edit source ]

Here is a list of suggestions for Science Investigations. Please add/amend/extend the list as you see fit. This is essentially a brainstorm ...

Non-coalescing drops [ edit | edit source ]

Some industries will mix liquids by cascading one liquid into another, assuming mixing will be complete. These drops may prevent complete mixing and need to be investigated.

Recent research has shed light on this phenomenon: The fast-moving shiny drops that skid across the surface of soapy water. Detergents play a crucial role – but how does the concentration of detergent affect the drops? What about ‘non-ionic’ detergents? What about a surface of anionic detergents and drops of cationic ones?

Challenges: Making drop-producing apparatus, Researching the chemistry of detergents, Assessing the numbers of drops

Thiosulphate/acid reaction (‘disappearing cross’) [ edit | edit source ]

Chemical engineers wishing to check if turbidity is a useful surrogate measurement for whether a reaction has reached completion.

How does the reaction respond to changes in acid concentration (it is first order for thiosulphate concentration but varies from first to zero order with acid).

How can we assess the amount of oil contamination on beaches? [ edit | edit source ]

Various groups will want to assess oil contamination, and a simple quick method would be appreciated.

The method used solvent extraction. Sand samples were laced with oil and the efficiency of recovery was measured. The sensitivity of the method was also estimated.

Synthesis and isolation of propanoic acid from propan-1-ol. [ edit | edit source ]

Chemical suppliers who want to investigate production of this chemical.

Trialling different methods.

Making biodiesel from waste vegetable oil. [ edit | edit source ]

Motoring enthusiasts who want to make their own environmentally-friendly and cheap fuel.

By using methanol and sodium hydroxide it is possible to make diesel fuel from old chip fat.

Analysing the gases remaining after burning a candle in a gas jar. [ edit | edit source ]

Motor vehicle engineers who want to check the composition of exhaust gases.

CO 2 is easy; it is readily absorbed with NaOH.

O 2 is harder; an oxygen probe is very useful but otherwise oxygen could be absorbed by, for example, the slow reaction of steel wool.

CO is challenging; it will be absorbed by CuCl solution but it is in very low concentrations.

Extraction of caffeine from tea. [ edit | edit source ]

Suppliers or independent analysts want to assess the caffeine content of tea products. Chemical suppliers want to provide pure caffeine to clients.

[1] This method usually involves solvent extraction with a chlorinated alkane (e.g. dichloromethane or 1,1,1,-trichloroethane). With care it is possible to recycle the solvent and avoid health and environmental damage.

Other suggestions [ edit | edit source ]

• Investigation of weak acid strengths/synthesis of new acids
• Rate expression for tin/iodine reaction [2] – kinetics of a reaction
• Nobili’s rings [2] – strange colours seen during electrolysis.
• A transient red colour [2] – the chemistry of iron/sulphate complexes.
• Liesegang rings [2] – stripey effects in gels.
• Polarimetry to investigate concentrations of sugars. Suppliers of sugar syrups who want to assess their products.
• Flame photometry to determine concentrations of aqueous ions. Analysis of mineral water samples to check manufacturers' claims.
• Is the level of chloramines found in swimming pool water affected by temperature? [1] Swimming pool operators concerned about eye irritation amongst their customers.
• Effectiveness of two major washing powders on five common household stains. [1] Consumer testing organisation who wants to test commercial claims.
• Factors affecting the decomposition of biodegradable plastics. [1] Environmental agencies testing claims of environmental-friendliness from plastics manufacturers.
• Studies of infrared spectroscopy: nature and applications. [1] Applications include breath-testing for alcohol and testing vehicle exhaust emissions.
• NaCl and potential alternatives to NaCl as a roadway de-icer. [1] Highways agency investigating de-icers which cause less environmental damage - but at what cost?
• Synthesis and analysis of hexane-3,4-diol. [1]
• Calcium carbonate content of seashells. [1]
• Characterisation of New Polyethylenes Prepared by Single-Site Catalysis. [1]
• An Investigation Into The Uses Of Environmentally Friendly Additives/Alternatives To Petrol. [1]
• Protein Purification. [1]
• A study into the colour of ketchup. [1]
• Comparison By Spectral Characterisation Of Myoglobin In Beef, Pork and Turkey. [1]
• Spectrophotometric Determination of Trace Amounts of Iron in Plant Samples. [1]
• The effect of disulphide reduction on the structure, and activity of Yeast Alcohol Dehydrogenase. [1]
• Investigation into the effect of pH on the mechanism of glycation of phenylalanine as a model of the glycation of the B chain of insulin. [1]
• Analysis of Vitamin C in Orange Juice through a Chemiluminescent Clock Reaction. [1]
• Investigating the Effect of Different Halide Ions on the Stern Volmer Constant. [1]
• Developing and Validating an Assay for Tissue Thiols and the Analysis of the Effects of Aging and Taurine on Tissue Thiols. [1]
• Relation between the Slow Relaxation Time and Foaming of Selected ICI Surfactants. [1]
• Purification of ibuprofen from commercial tablets.
• Building a breathalyser.g
• Titration of various commercial vinegar samples.
• Titration of vitamin C content of commercial fruit juices.
• Investigation in the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid ( aspirin ).

References [ edit | edit source ]

• ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Suggested IB Extended Essay projects
• ↑ a b c d In search of more solutions - Royal Society of Chemistry resource book

• Book:IB Chemistry

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SHOULD I DO A CHEMISTRY EE?

• Doesn’t need to be too theoretical
• Not as much essay style writing
• Much more support from your supervisor
• Can be a lot of fun if you like practical work
• Background research is sometimes difficult to find
• Often can run into problems  with experiments
• Data collection can be long

The EE guide that has everything in it.

The IB’s full marking criteria including grade bands.

The Chemistry specific section of the guide.

• I didn’t get full marks, and I have no idea what I got in each criterion
• This EE is in electrochemistry so it may have no bearing on your EE
• I added an abstract which is no longer compulsory and barely anyone does but I needed it

MY EXPERIENCE

IF YOU'RE NOT INTERESTED IN CHEMISTRY, DON'T DO A CHEMISTRY EE

Somewhere along the way you’ll likely run into errors in calculations, theory or data. You need passion and determination to get through it.

CHEMISTRY EXTENDED ESSAY

These subject guidelines should be read in conjunction with the IB extended essay general guidelines.

Introduction

An extended essay in chemistry provides a candidate with an opportunity to investigate personally a particular aspect of the materials of our environment. Such extended essays must be characterized by a particular chemical emphasis within a more general set of scientific criteria.

Choice of Topic

It is important that the extended essay has a clear chemical emphasis and is not more closely related to another subject. Chemistry is the science that deals with the composition, characterization, and transformation of substances. A chemistry extended essay should therefore incorporate chemical principles and theory, and emphasize the essential nature of chemistry, relating to the study of matter and of the changes it undergoes. Although similar criteria apply to all extended essays in the experimental sciences, for an extended essay submitted in chemistry the topic chosen must allow an approach which distinctly involves chemistry. Where a topic might be approached from different viewpoints, the treatment of the material must be approached from a chemical perspective.

An extended essay in an interdisciplinary area such as biochemistry will, if registered as a chemistry extended essay, be judged on its chemical content, not its biological content. The scope of the topic and the research associated with it should enable all the criteria, particularly the subject specific criteria, to be addressed. A good topic is one where the single research question is sharply focused and is susceptible to effective treatment within the word limit. Perhaps the most important factor is the depth of treatment that can be given to the topic by the candidate.

Some topics may be unsuitable for investigation because of safety issues. For example, experiments involving toxic or dangerous chemicals, carcinogenic substances or radioactive materials should be avoided unless adequate safety apparatus and qualified supervision is available.

Other topics may be unsuitable because the outcome is already well known and documented in standard text books and the candidate may not be able to show any personal input. An example might be a study of the reactions of the alkali metals with water as this is already covered by the syllabus. However some care does need to be exercised in deciding whether a topic is suitable or not; for example, a few years ago the study of the allotropes of carbon may have been thought to be trivial but this would not be the case today.

The following examples of titles for chemistry extended essays are intended for guidance only. The pairings illustrate that focused topics (indicated by the first title) should be encouraged rather than broad topics (indicated by the second title).

• "Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of lead in drinking water" is better than "Water analysis".
• "The kinetics of oxidation of iodine ions with hydrogen peroxide in acidic solutions" is better than "Chemical kinetics".
• "The analysis of the red dyes present in different brands of tomato ketchup by thin layer chromatography" is better than "The use of chromatography to separate materials".
• "Is it better to use dried animal manure as a fertilizer or as a fuel?" is better than "Combustion and nitrogen analysis".
• "The effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the pH in the mouth after a meal" is better than "Acid-base chemistry".

Other ideas for topics

Treatment of the Topic

An extended essay in chemistry may be based on literature, theoretical models or experimental data. Whichever category is chosen the candidate should ensure that sufficient data will be available for evaluation and that the topic can be researched accurately using locally available resources.

Candidates who choose to write an extended essay based on literature and/or surveys should ensure that their extended essay clearly shows its chemical basis. Essays written at the level of a newspaper or news magazine article are unlikely to achieve a high mark. Since chemistry is an experimental science, candidates are strongly encouraged to undertake experimental work as part of their research, although this is not compulsory. Any experimental work which does form part of a chemistry extended essay should be described in sufficient detail to allow the work to be repeated by others, and candidates are strongly encouraged to research the literature first. Where possible, they should consult original research using scientific journals, personal communications and, where appropriate, the Internet. Textbooks should never be the only source of information. Data collected from an experiment designed by the candidate is of little value unless it is analysed, using appropriate scientific techniques, evaluated and perhaps compared with appropriate models.

It is possible to produce an extended essay in chemistry in which the candidate has used data collected elsewhere as the primary source. In such cases, the element of personal analysis and evaluation is important.

In any chemistry extended essay candidates should be able to demonstrate that they understand the theory underlying any experimental work and state any assumptions made. They should show an understanding of the results obtained and be able to interpret them with reference to the research question posed. They should be critical of inadequate experimental design, the limitations of the experimental method and any systematic errors. Candidates should be encouraged to consider unresolved questions in their research, and to suggest new questions and areas for further investigation in their conclusion.

Assessment Criteria

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Chemistry Extended Essay Topic

By IB-student27 January 5, 2019 in Extended Essay

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Ib-student27.

The current topic of my current chemistry extended essay is the optimisation of the voltage produced by a half-cell by changing the temperature and electrolyte of the cell and using that to mathematically model the output voltage produced by the cell as a function of those variables. However, during research I learnt about the existence of the Nernst Equation and realised I was simply investigating that. I also found a few threads online of people who did this topic as an IA instead of an extended essay which leads me to fear my Extended Essay topic is too simple. 

Could anyone give me advice on whether this would be a suitable extended essay topic. If not, are there any possible modifications I could make to my research topic. I am also open to alternate suggestions or even possible nudges in the direction of different topics I could choose to research in. I am very passionate about Chemistry and would like to do my Extended Essay in the subject.

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The topic is not bad. At the end of the day, the EE is about writing and not just about the experiment. So it just means you need to give at least twice as much analysis as an IA without being wordy or redundant. 

Some questions to consider

1) There are some tabulated cell potentials for different salt solutions but same reaction. What accounts for the difference?

2) (Beyond syllabus) What is an ideal solution? What may be some downsides to using concentration in measuring Q (reaction quotient)? Does Q takes into considerations of the different salts present in solution? Another way of saying this is, if you find discrepancy between Ecell and what is predicted by Nernst Eq, is it more likely that the equation is wrong or Q is imprecise?

3) calibration  How do you make sure your instruments do not have zero offset errors  before  you start the experiment? Or, how can you account for the zero-offset? Could the zero-offset be depended upon temperature?

Thank you for your response. I was wondering if attempting to quantify catechins in tea using cylic voltammetry would be a better extended essay topic. I feel it is more unique than my other topic and is also more sophisticated.

It is more interesting and requires more theory but I wouldn't say it's necessarily a better topic. Obviously if you already are very familiar with cyclic voltammetry then this is definitely a better topic but I wouldn't say so if you are not familiar with the technique and have to learn it on your own.

It also requires a lot of equipment my school may not have. Thank you for all your help. Do you believe it is possible to get an A with my original topic if the essay is written well? I am just worried cause my teacher has told us of students who scored very poorly due to doing overly simple topics for their extended essays.

I think it's very possible, but given the scarcity of As in EE in general, it's by no means a likely situation. 

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• Extended Essay
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Although your supervisor can comment on the final draft of your Extended Essay, they cannot make corrections. This checklist helps to ensure that your EE fully addresses all the requirements of the assessment criteria and willl help you to secure a high mark.

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Extended Essay vs. Internal Assessment

As a seasoned IB writer with years of experience, I’ve seen countless students grapple with the differences between the IB Extended Essay (EE) and Internal Assessment (IA). Understanding these two critical components of the IB curriculum is essential for success. Getting a clear grasp of EE vs. IA can significantly affect your academic path.

What Is the IB Extended Essay?

The Extended Essay is undoubtedly a central element of the IB Diploma Program . As a 4,000-word research paper, it offers a unique opportunity to focus on a topic of personal interest and to engage with it in depth. From my extensive experience with the IB, I can attest that the EE significantly hones your research skills and improves your ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and depth.

The Extended Essay is structured with thorough organization and planning. It begins with an introduction in which you lay out your research question and hypothesis, establishing the context for the investigation. The body paragraphs develop your argument, each building on the previous one to form a coherent and compelling analysis. The conclusion summarizes your findings and distills your extensive research into a conclusive statement. As I have learned from experience, mastering this structure is essential for writing an essay that is not only informative but also engaging and persuasive.

According to the general IB criteria, which I have become very familiar with over the years, the Extended Essay is assessed through several criteria:

• Criteria A focuses on the research question and the methodological approach, ensuring the essay’s foundation is solid and academically valid.
• Criteria B evaluates the depth of knowledge and understanding of the chosen topic, looking for evidence of extensive research and insightful discussion.
• Criteria C is about critical thinking; it examines the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.
• Criteria D and E assess the presentation and the student’s engagement with their research topic, respectively.

These criteria ensure that the essay adheres to academic standards and reflects genuine intellectual engagement and personal academic inquiry, which I consider critical for success in the Extended Essay.

What Is an Internal Assessment in the IB Curriculum?

The Internal Assessment is a distinctly practical component of the IB DP. In my experience, the IA is a project that encapsulates the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios directly within the classroom setting. This unique aspect of the IB curriculum allows for a hands-on approach to learning, which significantly boosts student engagement and deepens their understanding of the subject matter.

The structure of the Internal Assessment is methodically designed to develop analytical and evaluative skills. Typically, it comprises:

• Introduction . Here, students outline their investigation, presenting their hypothesis and research objectives.
• Data Collection and Analysis . Students undertake to gather relevant data through experiments, surveys, or other research methods, followed by a critical analysis of the data gathered.
• Conclusion . This section synthesizes the findings, links to the hypothesis, and discusses the implications.
• Reflection . Encourages students to reflect on what they have learned throughout the investigative process and how it applies to their education.

According to general IB criteria, Internal Assessments are evaluated based on several critical aspects:

• Criteria A assesses the student’s ability to design and plan a coherent research project.
• Criteria B focuses on the techniques for gathering and analyzing data, ensuring that methods are appropriate and that they handle the data accurately.
• Criteria C examines how researchers draw conclusions from the data and evaluates the reasoning behind these conclusions.
• Criteria D assesses the clarity and structure of the written report, examining how effectively the report communicates the information and ideas.

Each IB subject has specific IA requirements, which introduce a level of versatility that is both challenging and beneficial. As I know from working closely with numerous students, this tailored approach ensures that the IA can be closely aligned with the student’s interests and academic strengths, making the learning experience both personal and profound.

EE vs. IA: Which is More Challenging?

Both the Extended Essay and the Internal Assessment present unique challenges. As a seasoned IB writer, I have mentored countless students through these critical components and seen firsthand how they test different skills and aptitudes. In my experience, whether one finds the EE or the IA more mainly challenging depends on the student’s strengths, interests, and approach to learning.

Individual vs. Collaborative Efforts

In my experience, one significant difference is the scope of work. The Extended Essay is an individual project requiring a student to conduct independent research on a chosen topic, culminating in a 4,000-word essay. This level of independence can be intimidating, but it can also be extremely rewarding for those who are self-motivated and passionate about their subject.

On the other hand, while most Internal Assessments are individual projects, some subjects may allow for group work or data collection that involves others. This aspect introduces dynamics of teamwork and collaboration, which might ease the burden for some students but can present coordination challenges for others.

Depth of Research

According to general IB criteria, the EE demands a considerable depth of research, akin to undergraduate-level writing. It includes forming a central argument, engaging with secondary sources, and developing a scholarly analysis. As I know, the depth and breadth required for the EE can be a significant challenge for students unfamiliar with such extensive research and academic writing.

Conversely, the IA tends to be more focused on applying existing knowledge to practical situations. While it also requires research and analysis, the scope is usually narrower, often involving experiments or practical applications related to the coursework. This task can be challenging but is usually less intimidating regarding the volume and depth of content than the EE.

Time Management and Planning

Time management plays a crucial role in both projects. From my experience, the EE demands long-term planning and discipline, as students must manage a large-scale project over several months. This task requires sustained motivation and careful pacing to ensure that the research, writing, and revision stages are balanced and that the final product is coherent and polished.

While also requiring good time management, the IA often has more immediate deadlines and shorter timescales. The tasks are more segmented, which can make the project feel more manageable. However, if not appropriately managed, procrastination can still undermine the quality of the work.

Subjective Interests and Personal Engagement

Finally, personal interest significantly impacts how challenging a student finds the EE or the IA. In my opinion, a student who chooses a topic they are passionate about for their EE might find the process more enjoyable and less daunting despite its length and depth. Conversely, an IA in a subject that a student finds difficult or unengaging can be a more formidable challenge, regardless of the shorter length or narrower scope.

More Topics to Read:

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• Literature Extended Essay Topics for IB Students
• IB History Extended Essay Topics
• How to Create a Research Question for Your IB Extended Essay?

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Extended Essay and Internal Assessment: IB Student Insights

Many students appreciate the autonomy that EE provides. Unlike regular coursework, EE allows them to focus on a topic that fascinates them, which can be incredibly rewarding. In my interactions, students often say that choosing a topic they are passionate about makes the research process more engaging and less burdensome. However, this freedom comes with challenges primarily related to self-discipline and time management.

The IA is generally viewed by students as more hands-on compared to the EE. It involves the practical application of theoretical knowledge, which can be very satisfying, especially for students who thrive on concrete tasks. For instance, conducting experiments and reporting on subjects like Biology and Chemistry offers a break from traditional exams and textbooks. This application of theory to practice not only enhances understanding but also keeps students engaged.

Students often find that the IA’s narrower scope and the structured guidance they receive make it less intimidating than the Extended Essay. IA requirements are more clearly defined, which can simplify the planning and execution phases. However, students must still demonstrate high precision in their methods and clarity in their documentation. These skills are particularly honed through this rigorous process.

Also, both the EE and IA require effective time management, but the strategies may differ due to the nature of the tasks. The EE demands long-term planning, with milestones for completing research, writing, and revision. In contrast, the IA often has more immediate deadlines and requires a steady, consistent effort over a shorter period. Balancing these projects, regular coursework, and extracurricular activities is a common challenge for IB students.

The perceived difficulty of each component often depends on the student’s strengths and academic interests. Some find the EE’s analytical and independent nature more challenging, while others need help with the IA’s practical and sometimes collaborative aspects.

Understanding the distinction between the Extended Essay and Internal Assessment is crucial for success in the IB Diploma Programme. Both components are essential, providing distinct challenges and learning opportunities. Approach both with dedication, and you will notice that they significantly improve your academic and personal development.

By the way, our experts at IBWritingService.com are always ready to help you with Extended Essay writing and give topic suggestions.

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