Introduction
Choosing an experiment for your science Internal Assessment (IA) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A strong IA experiment should be feasible with the resources you have, original enough to stand out, and structured in a way that allows for analysis and evaluation. Many students struggle because they pick experiments that are either too complex to manage or too simple to earn top marks.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to select an IA experiment that is both manageable and original. We’ll also look at common pitfalls and show you how to refine your idea into something examiners will reward. For real examples of successful IA experiments, explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: Choosing Your IA Experiment
- Is it safe and ethical?
- Can it be done with available resources?
- Does it allow for multiple trials?
- Is the research question focused and specific?
- Does it offer opportunities for analysis and evaluation?
Step 1: Start With Your Interests
The best IA experiments often come from genuine curiosity. If you’re interested in sports, nutrition, or the environment, start there. For example:
- Testing how different sports drinks affect heart rate recovery
- Investigating how soil pH affects plant growth
- Measuring how insulation materials reduce heat loss
Examiners appreciate IAs that reflect personal interest — it makes your work more engaging.
Step 2: Keep It Manageable
Many students overreach and choose experiments that are too complex. The IA is not a PhD thesis — it should be something you can realistically complete in your school lab or at home with supervision.
Manageable experiments:
