Introduction
Fieldwork is a core part of IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS). For the 2026 first assessment, both SL and HL students are expected to use a range of fieldwork methods in their Internal Assessment (IA) and to understand them conceptually for exams.
Examiners reward students who can not only carry out methods correctly but also evaluate their strengths and limitations. That’s why mastering fieldwork techniques is essential: they provide the evidence base for sustainability discussions in both the IA and Paper 1/2 exam questions.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When revising fieldwork methods, make sure you can:
- Name and describe common fieldwork methods.
- Explain what each method is used for.
- Apply methods to different ecosystems (terrestrial, freshwater, marine).
- Identify limitations and sources of error.
- Link methods to case studies and IA design.
Key Fieldwork Methods in ESS
1. Sampling Methods
- Quadrats: estimate abundance of plants or small animals.
- Transects (line and belt): study changes across a gradient (e.g., dune succession).
- Random sampling: reduces bias.
- Systematic sampling: used when clear patterns exist.
Strengths: simple, effective for vegetation studies.
Limitations: time-consuming, may not capture mobile species.
