IB Group 4 Project: Can You Choose Your Own Topic?
The IB Group 4 Project is a highlight of the Diploma Programme—a collaborative, hands-on task that brings together students from multiple sciences. One frequent question: can students choose their own topic? Let’s explore your options, how the process works, and how to approach it strategically, with real support from RevisionDojo.
1. What Is the Group 4 Project Really About?
According to RevisionDojo’s breakdown of the Group 4 Science Project, the goal isn’t to create a perfect experiment—it’s to foster collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking, and scientific curiosity. The project typically spans 8–10 hours and includes stages of planning, action, and evaluation.
Read Group 4 Project Requirements to understand assessment components and collaboration expectations.
2. Can You Choose Your Own Topic?
Yes—most IB schools allow students to choose their own topic, especially during the planning stage. While some teachers suggest a theme, groups usually brainstorm topics together that align with personal interests and scientific feasibility.
For inspiration and sample ideas, see Best IB Science IA Topics & How to Choose One That Works—many can be adapted into Group 4 themes.
3. Choosing a Topic That Works for Everyone
To choose a successful Group 4 topic, make sure it:
- Is interdisciplinary (e.g., energy, environment, health)
- Fits the project timeline
- Allows all team members to contribute
- Offers practical experiments or data collection
Read Time Management in IB: 9 Tools and Techniques That Actually Work to plan your project sessions and distribute tasks efficiently.
4. Group Project Tips from Top IB Students
In The Ultimate Daily IB Study Schedule, RevisionDojo highlights how consistent planning prevents group conflicts and delays—two common Group 4 pain points.
Additional advice:
- Use collaborative planning tools (e.g., Google Docs, Trello)
- Establish clear roles early
- Include a reflection log from each team member
5. Does the Topic Affect Your Grade?
No—IB assesses the process, not the topic’s complexity.
Your mark is based on:
- How well your group collaborates
- Reflection and communication
- Interdisciplinary connection
This is emphasized in How to Balance CAS, IAs, and Group Projects Without Burning Out, which also explains how to log and reflect on your Group 4 experience effectively.
6. Sample Topics That Work Across Sciences
Need inspiration? Here are interdisciplinary topics that allow contributions from Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and ESS:
- “Renewable energy efficiency in school settings”
- “Microplastic contamination in local water”
- “Indoor air quality and student productivity”
- “Composting and school cafeteria waste management”
Many of these tie into IB Internal Assessment themes, and students can expand or adapt them for collaborative inquiry.
FAQs: Choosing a Group 4 Project Topic
Can we choose different topics for each science in the group?
Yes—but they should share a central theme to remain interdisciplinary.
Can we replicate someone else’s past project?
You can use inspiration from previous projects, but avoid copying results or structure. Originality matters.
What’s the best way to ensure the project runs smoothly?
Establish clear roles, timelines, and expectations early. Use RevisionDojo’s productivity planners to stay on track.
Conclusion: You Can Choose—Just Choose Wisely
The IB Group 4 Project isn’t just another science task—it’s a unique opportunity to learn how science intersects across fields. Most students can choose their topic, and the best ones balance curiosity with feasibility.
📘 Need a planning template, presentation structure, or reflection log?
Visit RevisionDojo.com for step-by-step Group 4 project guides, topic generators, lab report samples, and more resources designed to help you ace this collaborative challenge.
