What’s New in the IB Physics IA Rubric for 2025?
The IB Physics Internal Assessment (IA) has been redesigned as part of the 2025 syllabus update. It now features a streamlined, four-criteria rubric, designed to prioritize scientific inquiry, analysis, and critical evaluation. Each of the four criteria carries equal weight—6 marks each, making for a total of 24 marks.
This rubric applies equally to both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students and places strong emphasis on the scientific investigation process, from question design to analysis and reflection.
The Four Criteria of the IB Physics IA Rubric
1. Research Design (6 Marks)
This criterion evaluates how clearly you define your research question, its scientific context, and how well your methodology supports reproducibility.
Key elements:
- Specific, measurable research question
- Detailed experimental plan
- Controlled variables and safety considerations
- Clear reasoning for the chosen approach
2. Data Analysis (6 Marks)
Data must be not only collected but processed, visualized, and interpreted accurately. This criterion examines your mathematical and graphical work.
Key elements:
- Use of correct units and significant figures
- Calculations with formulas
- Graphs with error bars, trendlines, and uncertainty analysis
- Clear connection between analysis and the research question
3. Conclusion (6 Marks)
The conclusion must directly answer the research question using evidence from the data and show understanding of the underlying physics principles.
Key elements:
- Summarized findings supported by data
- Explanation of physical laws involved
- Statement of whether the hypothesis was supported
4. Evaluation (6 Marks)
Strong evaluations reflect critically on the method, data quality, limitations, and suggest meaningful improvements or extensions.
Key elements:
- Discussion of uncertainties and systematic errors
- Limitations of methodology
- Realistic and relevant improvement suggestions
Criterion: Research Design
- Focus Area: Research question and methodology
- Max Marks: 6
- Key Requirements: Reproducible method, variable control, scientific context
Criterion: Data Analysis
- Focus Area: Data processing and interpretation
- Max Marks: 6
- Key Requirements: Accurate calculations, graphs, and uncertainty analysis
Criterion: Conclusion
- Focus Area: Scientific reasoning and evidence
- Max Marks: 6
- Key Requirements: Clear summary supported by physics and data
Criterion: Evaluation
- Focus Area: Reflection and improvement suggestions
- Max Marks: 6
- Key Requirements: Error discussion, limitations, future suggestions
What Makes a High-Scoring Physics IA?
Tips for Each Criterion
- Design: Use a focused and measurable research question. Include diagrams, variables, controls, and risk assessments.
- Analysis: Perform all relevant calculations, include units, and explain sources of error. Use graphs that clearly illustrate patterns.
- Conclusion: Tie your answer directly to your hypothesis and research question. Cite the physics theory involved.
- Evaluation: Be honest about limitations, and suggest realistic improvements—don't just say "use better equipment."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using vague or unmeasurable research questions
- Omitting uncertainty values and statistical analysis
- Writing a conclusion not supported by data
- Giving generic or unrealistic evaluations ("do it again better")
Tools That Help: Try RevisionDojo’s IA Grader and Sample Library
Real-Time IA Grading with Feedback
The RevisionDojo AI Grader scores your IA draft using the exact 2025 rubric. It highlights missing criteria, weak reasoning, and offers suggestions to enhance your:
- Data presentation
- Graph accuracy
- Physics explanations
- Evaluation depth
This is perfect for students preparing drafts before teacher feedback.
Browse the Physics IA Sample Library
Access a curated library of high-scoring IB Physics IA samples through RevisionDojo’s IA hub. These are aligned with the 2025 syllabus and include:
- Annotated exemplars
- Structured reports with graphs and tables
- Diverse topics across mechanics, waves, electricity, and thermal physics
Word Count, Collaboration, and Formatting Guidelines
- Word Limit: 3,000 words (excluding tables, diagrams, calculations, and citations)
- Group Work: Up to 3 students may collect data together, but each must write a unique IA with distinct research questions and data interpretations
- Format: Include a title page, clear section headings, citations (APA or MLA), and labeled graphs/tables
FAQs About the IB Physics IA Rubric 2025
Q1: Do HL students follow a different rubric than SL?
No, both HL and SL students are assessed using the same four-criteria rubric.
Q2: Does data collection have to be experimental?
Not always. Simulation-based or secondary data may be used if justified, but the methodology must still be rigorous.
Q3: Will I be penalized for not including a hypothesis?
No, the rubric focuses on investigation quality and reasoning, not rigid structure. A well-justified RQ matters more than hypothesis phrasing.
Q4: What if my conclusion contradicts my hypothesis?
That’s okay—as long as your conclusion is supported by data and clearly explained.
Q5: Can the IA Grader help if English is not my first language?
Yes. It not only evaluates science content but also flags unclear phrasing or formatting issues.
Q6: Where can I access the official rubric?
You can find it on Go Physics Go PDF or IBPhysicsAnswers.com.
Final Thoughts: Approach the IA with Precision and Purpose
The IB Physics IA rubric for 2025 rewards clarity, rigor, and critical thinking. You don’t need the most complex experiment—but you do need a clear research question, well-analyzed data, and thoughtful reflection. With tools like RevisionDojo’s AI Grader and sample IA library, you can craft a top-tier investigation that showcases both scientific understanding and academic maturity.
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