1. Research Question - Clear, focused physics question that can be answered through secondary research and analysis
2. Physics Focus - Must be firmly based on established physics theory from classical to modern physics
3. Academic Sources - Minimum 15-20 credible sources including physics journals, research papers, and scientific publications
4. Physics Analysis - Critical evaluation of physics evidence with mathematical analysis and theory application
5. Word Count Verification - Maximum 4,000 words (excluding bibliography, footnotes, and appendices)
6. Complete Structure - Introduction, Investigation, Analysis, Conclusion, Bibliography, and Reflections
7. Supervisor Meetings - Evidence of 3 mandatory reflection sessions with your EE supervisor
8. Mathematical Content - Appropriate use of physics mathematics and quantitative analysis where relevant

Rubric Breakdown

The IB Physics EE is assessed based on five criteria, totaling 34 marks. Here's a breakdown:

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)

1. This criterion tests how clear and focused your physics research question is.
2. It evaluates whether your methodology is appropriate for physics investigation.

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

1. This evaluates your grasp of physics concepts and scientific knowledge.
2. It tests how well you apply physics theory and demonstrate subject expertise.

Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)

1. This is the most important criterion - worth 35% of your total grade.
2. It assesses your ability to analyze physics data, evaluate scientific evidence, and synthesize findings.

Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)

1. This assesses professional presentation and academic formatting.
2. It includes structure, physics communication, and adherence to academic conventions.

Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)

1. This tests your personal engagement with the physics research process.
2. It's based on your reflection sessions and demonstrates your intellectual development.

How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool

1. The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 28 marks across all criteria except E, your reflections.
2. Here's how to interpret your results:
   1. 24-28 marks (Grade A territory): Excellent work with sophisticated physics research. Minor refinements needed.
   2. 19-23 marks (Grade B range): Strong project with good physical analysis. Focus on critical evaluation and chemical theory synthesis.
   3. 14-18 marks (Grade C level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen physical analysis and evidence evaluation.
   4. 9-13 marks (Grade D range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review research focus and physical understanding.

Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark

IB Extended Essay grade boundaries are consistent across subjects but can vary slightly by session:

Subject-Specific Tips

1. Classical Mechanics Focus:
   1. Investigate advanced dynamics, celestial mechanics, fluid dynamics, or oscillation systems.
   2. Include mathematical derivations and theoretical predictions with experimental verification.
2. Electromagnetism Focus:
   1. Examine electromagnetic theory, wave propagation, antenna design, or plasma physics.
   2. Use Maxwell's equations and field theory to support quantitative analysis.
3. Quantum Physics Focus:
   1. Focus on quantum mechanics applications, atomic physics, solid-state theory, or quantum technologies.
   2. Include Schrödinger equation solutions and quantum mechanical calculations where relevant.
4. Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics:
   1. Analyze heat engines, phase transitions, statistical distributions, or entropy applications.
   2. Use thermodynamic laws and statistical mechanics principles in analysis.
5. Modern Physics Focus:
   1. Investigate relativity applications, particle physics, cosmology, or nuclear physics.
   2. Include relativistic calculations and modern physics concepts with current research.

FAQs

1. Can I conduct original experiments for my Physics EE?
   1. Not recommended - focus on theoretical analysis and literature review rather than primary experimentation.
2. How mathematical should my Physics EE be?
   1. Include appropriate mathematics for your topic - derivations and calculations enhance analysis but shouldn't dominate.
3. Should my EE connect to my IA topic?
   1. No, avoid overlap - choose a different physics focus or theoretical approach for your EE.
4. What level of physics is expected?
   1. Beyond IB syllabus is acceptable and encouraged - explain advanced concepts clearly for educated readers.
5. How important are physics diagrams?
   1. Very important - include theoretical diagrams, field visualizations, circuit schematics, and conceptual illustrations.
6. Can I focus on engineering applications?
   1. Yes, but maintain physics focus on underlying principles rather than purely engineering aspects.
7. Should I include computational physics?
   1. Where relevant - numerical simulations and computational models can support theoretical analysis.
8. How detailed should mathematical derivations be?
   1. Include key derivations that support your analysis - full mathematical detail where it enhances understanding.
9. Can I use physics simulation software?
   1. Yes, physics simulations can provide data for analysis but shouldn't replace theoretical investigation.
10. What makes a Physics EE stand out?
    1. Theoretical depth, mathematical rigor, current physics relevance, and original synthesis of physics knowledge.

Use the Free Physics Extended Essay Grader Now

1. Stop guessing about your grade.
2. The comprehensive grading tool evaluates your EE against all five official criteria, giving instant feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
3. Input your project details and get a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they matter most.
4. Physics-specific analysis helps you master the theoretical research and critical evaluation that separate excellent from average Physics Extended Essays.