extended essay topics in chemistry

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 !

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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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50 Topic Ideas for the Chemistry Extended Essay

The extended essay is a requirement for your IB diploma. You will be required to compose a 4000-word essay on any topic you like; you have complete freedom in this regard.

It is essentially a comprehensive piece of academic research for which you must carry out some form of investigation. You have to present the results of old research. There are three approaches to chemistry.

Table of Contents

Types of Chemistry Extended Essays. 1

Finding a topic. 1

50 Topic Ideas for the Chemistry Extended Essay. 2

Types of Chemistry Extended Essays

•             Experiments

•             Theoretical models

•             Literature review

First is the practical experimental approach. This is when you have to do an experiment.

You conduct the tests and write the extended essay, which is essentially a report. Utilizing theoretical models is the second method. So, this extended essay is more of a database type.

You discover a ton of information about a particular subject. And after processing the data in a completely original manner, you write your extended essay about it.

The literature review is another option, which is something that students rarely undertake in chemistry but which is still an option. This is where you analyze existing research and write an extended essay on the findings.

It would be best if you chose the first option, which is the practical experimental option, although doing so is not required. I advise going the practical route while writing an extended essay in chemistry, though a database or theoretical model approach can also be practical.

A chemistry literature review, in my opinion, is quite tricky. And I wouldn’t advise you to do it.

Finding a topic

•             Choose something you are genuinely interested in

•             Has a strong chemistry focus

•             Focused topic

I often advise my students to pick a topic that generally interests them because they will be spending a lot of time on their extended essays—about 50 hours, according to the IB. Therefore, using those hours on something you are generally interested in would be better. Therefore, my first piece of advice is to choose a subject that generally piques your curiosity.

If you write an extended essay in chemistry, ensure your topic has a solid focus on chemistry. Thus, for example, if you select a topic in biochemistry, the examiners could examine the chemical aspect of the issue.

Therefore, if you decide to write an essay in chemistry, be sure that it is primarily about chemistry. The third and most crucial factor is that your topic should be narrowly defined.

What does that mean? An example of a broad topic would be the study of marine water. Additionally, a focused topic will be something about seawater, such as the measurement of calcium iron and chloride nitrate concentrations. That is something particular, which then motivates exact experiments.

So ensure your topic is highly focused. A broad topic for anything like a database would be theoretical research and hydrazine. A more focused effort may be to look into the viability of using hydrazine as a rocket fuel alternative to kerosene.

Therefore, make sure your topic is very narrowly focused. Consequently, you may begin with a concept or a broad topic and then refine it into something that is very, focused and very specific.

We also have an article on how to write a chemistry extended essay.

Further, we have also listed some chemistry EE specific tips that will help you come up with a stellar essay.

• Enzyme Kinetics (calculating enzyme reaction rates, the binding affinities of substrates and maybe calculating the catalyst rate for each substrate such as: p-nitrophenyl phosphate and calculating the velocity of reaction.
• What is the effect of acid rain in your neighborhood trees, plants and public gardens?
• Analyze the chemical makeup of different types of lava and magma rocks from different areas around the world.
• Analyze the long- and short-term effects of vitamin deficiencies in humans.
• What types of chemical compounds trigger the majority of food allergies in people?
• Discuss the chemical changes in human bodies in the process of aging.
• What is the effect of pesticides on run-off soil and what does the data suggest should take place?
• Analyze the chemistry of MDMA and other “night-club” or designer drugs on users of different ages.
• Analyze the effect of radon and explain why it poses such a risk to people.
• Discuss how chemical experimentations and what we’ve learned from them have changed the world.
• How has the use of fluoride in the community’s water supply helped and it what ways has it been harmful?
• Discuss the chemistry involved in using sugar as a battery supply.
• Can you provide an explanation behind capturing and using carbon dioxide?
• What is the chemical difference to our bodies in choosing organic foods over foods treated with pesticides?
• Analyze the chemical changes that occur using different cooking ingredients for different foods.
• Analyze the chemicals that are involved in different types of food allergies.
• Discuss the differences in the different kinds of milk (e.g., skim, 2%, whole milk) and how does it compare with other animals’ milk?
• What role have major manufacturers of cosmetics had on our modern understand of chemistry?
• What kind of chemistry is involved that makes generic brand less expensive than name brand drugs?
• Discuss the chemical composition that goes into diet sodas and its effects on the human body.
• Is there such a thing as chemical relation in terms of history, religion, math, or any other kind of entity?
• 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.

Hopefully, I’ve helped you somewhere and you are in a much better place in completing your essay.

We also have an article on how to write a chemistry extended essay .

That said, if you are not in the mood of doing it all by yourself you can reach out to us at [email protected] and let us help you with your chemistry extended essay.

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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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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
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• 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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• Extended Essays
• 2014 DP Chemistry (Last exam Nov 24)

Along with Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) the Extended Essay (EE) forms part of the core requirement of the IB. In order to be awarded the Diploma all students must complete an Extended Essay in an IB approved subject of their choice. For most chemistry teachers looking at this page the IB approved subject will be chemistry but remember that your students can also choose to submit a...

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IB Chemistry Web

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• Extended essay
• May 2023 schedule
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Extended essay in chemistry

The following is an overview of the extended essay guidelines for chemistry (IBO documents)

An extended essay in chemistry provides students with an opportunity to investigate 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 research criteria.

The outcome of the research should be a coherent and structured piece of writing that effectively addresses a particular issue or research question and arrives at a particular, and preferably personal, conclusion.

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 the same assessment criteria apply to all extended essays, for an extended essay submitted in chemistry the topic chosen must allow an approach that distinctly involves chemistry. Where a topic might be approached from different viewpoints, the treatment of the material must be approached from a chemistry perspective. For example, 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 to be addressed. A good topic is one where the single research question is sharply focused and can be treated effectively within the word limit. Perhaps the most important factor is the depth of treatment that can be given to the topic by the student. Broad or complex survey topics (for example, investigations into health problems caused by water pollution, chemotherapy for cancer treatment or the use of spectroscopy in chemical analysis) will not permit the student to discuss conflicting ideas and theories, nor to produce an in-depth personal analysis within the word limit.

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 are available.

Other topics may be unsuitable because the outcome is already well known and documented in standard textbooks, and the student 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, previously, the study of the allotropes of carbon might have been thought to be trivial but this would not be the case today.

Example essay titles

The following examples of titles for chemistry extended essays are intended as 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).

“The ratio of the gases evolved at the positive electrode during the electrolysis of common salt solution” is better than “Electrolysis of solutions”.

“Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of lead in drinking water” is better than “Water analysis”.

“The effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the pH of saliva in the mouth after a meal” is better than “Acid–base chemistry”.

“How can the natural oxidant rutin be extracted and purified from the seed of the Chinese Scholartree?” is better than “Extraction of natural products from plants”.

Moreover, it may help if the student further defines and refines the topic chosen for study in the form of a research question or statement.

The ratio of the gases evolved at the positive electrode during the electrolysis of common salt solution

Research question

Is there a relationship between the concentration of aqueous sodium chloride solution and the ratio of the amounts of oxygen and chlorine gas that are evolved at the positive electrode during electrolysis.

The caffeine content of a cup of tea

Does the time it takes to brew a cup of tea using a specific commercial brand of tea leaves significantly alter the amount of caffeine that is dissolved in the drink?

Analysis of strawberry jellies by paper chromatography

The use of paper chromatography to determine whether strawberry jellies obtained from 24 different countries in 5 different continents all contain the same red dyes.

Treatment of the topic

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

Students 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, students are strongly encouraged to undertake experimental work as part of their research, although this is not compulsory. In order to place their research into the appropriate context, students should research the area of the investigation before commencing any experimental work. Where possible, they should consult original research using scientific journals, personal communications and the internet. Textbooks should never be the only source of information.

All essays involving experimental work undertaken by the student should include a clear and concise description of the experimental work. Students should indicate clearly whether they have personally designed the experiment, or give the source of an existing experiment method that they have used and state how they have adapted and improved upon it. All essays must be supervised by a school supervisor.

Many of the best essays are written by students investigating relatively simple phenomena using apparatus and materials that can be found in most school laboratories, and this approach is to be encouraged. If the practical work is carried out in an industrial or university laboratory, the essay should be accompanied by a letter from the external supervisor outlining the nature of the supervision and the level of guidance provided. The school supervisor must be satisfied that the work described in the essay is genuine and essentially that of the student.

Data collected from an experiment designed by the student 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 student has used data collected elsewhere as the primary source. In such cases, the element of personal analysis and evaluation is extremely important.

In any chemistry extended essay, students 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.

Students should be encouraged to consider unresolved questions in their research, and to suggest new questions and areas for further investigation in their conclusion. Throughout the whole of the essay, students should emphasize clearly their own personal contribution.

Interpreting the assessment criteria

Criterion A: research question

Many research questions can be formulated as an actual question or questions. A typical example is: “What gas is evolved when zinc is added to copper (II) sulfate solution and what factors affect its formation?”. However, in chemistry extended essays it is perfectly reasonable to formulate the research question as a statement or as a hypothesis rather than an actual question. “An analysis of the amount of aluminium in three different brands of underarm deodorant by visible spectroscopy” and “The kinetics of oxidation of iodide ions with hydrogen peroxide in acidic solutions” are two such examples where a statement rather than a question is appropriate. Whichever way it is formulated, it should be identified clearly as the research question and set out prominently in the introduction.

Criterion B: introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to set the research question into context, that is, to relate the research question to existing knowledge in chemistry. It is usually appropriate to include also the underlying chemical theory required to understand how the research question has arisen. Some research questions require some background knowledge that is not related to chemistry—for example, “Do the fossils found in different strata of rocks at a particular location contain different amounts of sulfur?” . For the essay to make sense, it would be important to state the ages of the rocks and give some geological background. In such cases, only the essential non-chemistry information should be provided in the introduction, as the essay will be marked on its chemical content. If it is necessary to include more non-chemistry (for example, geological) information, then the appropriate place for it is the appendix.

Criterion C: investigation

The way in which the investigation is undertaken will depend very much on whether or not the essay contains experimental work performed by the student. For non-experimental essays, students should endeavour to show clearly how the data has been selected. They should distinguish between primary sources (original scientific publications, personal communications, interviews) and secondary sources (textbooks, newspaper articles, reviews), and show awareness of how reliable these sources are. For experimental work, sufficient information should be provided so that the work could be repeated if necessary by an independent worker. Students should make it clear which experiments they have designed themselves and which they have altered, adapted or improved from existing methods.

Criterion D: knowledge and understanding of the topic studied

Students should show that they understand fully the underlying chemistry behind the context of their research question and their subsequent investigation. They are not expected to explain basic chemistry forming part of the Diploma Programme chemistry course, but they are expected to show that they fully understand the relevant principles and ideas and can apply them correctly. They should also demonstrate that they understand the theory behind any techniques or apparatus used.

Criterion E: reasoned argument

Students should be aware of the need to give their essays the backbone of a developing argument. A good argument in chemistry will almost certainly include consideration and comparison of different approaches and methods directly relevant to the research question. Straightforward descriptive or narrative accounts that lack analysis do not usually advance an argument and should be avoided.

Criterion F: application of analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject

A thorough understanding of the reliability of all data used to support the argument should be shown. Inadequate experimental design or any systematic errors should be exposed. The magnitude of uncertainties in physical data should be evaluated and discussed. Approximations in models should be accounted for and all assumptions examined thoroughly. Where possible, the quality of sources accessed or data generated should be verified by secondary sources or by direct calculations.

Criterion G: use of language appropriate to the subject

Correct chemical terminology and nomenclature should be used consistently and effectively throughout the extended essay. Relevant chemical formulas (including structural formulas), balanced equations (including state symbols) and mechanisms should be included. The correct units for physical quantities must always be given and the proper use of significant figures is expected.

Criterion H: conclusion

The conclusion must be consistent with the argument presented and should not merely repeat material in the introduction or introduce new or extraneous points to the argument. In chemistry, it is almost always pertinent to consider unresolved questions and to suggest areas for further investigation.

Criterion I: formal presentation

This criterion relates to the extent to which the essay conforms to academic standards about the way in which research papers should be presented. The presentation of essays that omit a bibliography or that do not give references is deemed unacceptable (level 0). Essays that omit one of the required elements—title page, table of contents, page numbers—are deemed no better than satisfactory (maximum level 2), while essays that omit two of them are deemed poor at best (maximum level 1).

The essay must not exceed 4,000 words of narrative. Graphs, figures, calculations, diagrams, formulas and equations are not included in the word count. For experiments where numerical results are calculated from data obtained by changing one of the variables, it is generally good practice to show one example of the calculation. The remainder can be displayed in tabular or graphical form.

Criterion J: abstract

The abstract is judged on the clarity with which it presents an overview of the research and the essay, not on the quality of the research question itself, nor on the quality of the argument or the conclusions.

Criterion K: holistic judgment

Qualities that are rewarded under this criterion include the following.

Intellectual initiative: Ways of demonstrating this in chemistry essays include the choice of topic and research question, and the use of novel or innovative approaches to address the research question.

Insight and depth of understanding: These are most likely to be demonstrated as a consequence of detailed research and thorough reflection, and by a well-informed and reasoned argument that consistently and effectively addresses the research question.

Originality and creativity: These will be apparent by clear evidence of a personal approach backed up by solid research and reasoning.

The assessment criteria

Past essay titles

IB EE examples for all subjects

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