IB Sports Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) IA Grader

1. Lots of students struggle to decode their SEHS Internal Assessment grade and assessment.
2. This is a free grading tool that breaks down the SEHS IA rubric into plain English, so you understand exactly where your scientific investigation stands across all four assessment criteria.
3. The embedded grader makes self-evaluation faster and more accurate than manual rubric checking, so you're never left guessing.

Quick Start Checklist

1. Before using the grader, ensure you have these key elements ready:
   1. Research Question - Clear, focused, and testable SEHS question related to sports, exercise, or health science
   2. SEHS Connection - Must relate to anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, or nutrition content
   3. Methodology - Step-by-step replicable procedure with scientific justification and safety considerations
   4. Data Collection - Sufficient data with multiple participants or trials and appropriate measurement techniques
   5. Data Analysis - Statistical analysis, graphs, calculations with uncertainties and pattern identification
   6. SEHS Theory - Background knowledge connecting investigation to sports science principles and concepts
   7. Word Count Verification - Maximum word limit as specified by your school (typically 2,500-3,000 words)
   8. Ethical Considerations - Evidence of ethical approval and participant safety protocols where applicable

Rubric Breakdown

The SEHS IA is assessed using five criteria, totaling 24 marks:

Criterion A: Personal Engagement (2 marks)

1. This criterion tests your personal interest and individual approach to the investigation.
2. It evaluates your initiative, creativity, and personal connection to the research.

Criterion B: Exploration (6 marks)

1. This evaluates your research question formulation and background investigation.
2. It tests your methodology design and connection to SEHS theory.

Criterion C: Analysis (6 marks)

1. This assesses your data processing, statistical analysis, and pattern identification.
2. It evaluates your mathematical treatment and scientific interpretation of results.

Criterion D: Evaluation (6 marks)

1. This tests your critical evaluation of methodology and identification of limitations.
2. It assesses your suggestions for improvement and reliability assessment.

Criterion E: Communication (4 marks)

1. This evaluates your scientific communication and presentation quality.
2. It tests your structure, clarity, and use of scientific terminology.

How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool

How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool

1. The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 24 marks across all five criteria.
2. Here's how to interpret your results:
   1. 22-24 marks (Grade 7 territory): Excellent work with sophisticated SEHS investigation. Minor refinements needed.
   2. 19-21 marks (Grade 6 range): Strong investigation with good analysis. Focus on evaluation depth and SEHS theory application.
   3. 16-18 marks (Grade 5 level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen statistical analysis and methodology.
   4. 13-15 marks (Grade 4 range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review research design and SEHS connections.
   5. Below 13 marks: Major revision required across most criteria. Restructure approach and strengthen scientific methodology.

Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark

IB SEHS IA grade boundaries vary by session but your IA contributes significantly to your final grade:

Subject-Specific Tips

1. Exercise Physiology:
   1. Investigate heart rate responses, VO₂ max testing, lactate thresholds, or training adaptations.
   2. Use appropriate physiological measurements and connect to cardiovascular or respiratory theory.
2. Biomechanics:
   1. Analyze movement patterns, force production, technique efficiency, or injury prevention.
   2. Include kinematic or kinetic analysis with video analysis or force measurement tools.
3. Sports Psychology:
   1. Examine motivation, anxiety, concentration, or team dynamics effects on performance.
   2. Use validated psychological scales and appropriate statistical analysis for behavioral data.
4. Nutrition:
   1. Study dietary interventions, hydration effects, supplement impacts, or energy metabolism.
   2. Include biochemical markers, performance measures, and nutritional analysis.
5. Training Science:
   1. Investigate training methods, recovery strategies, periodization effects, or adaptation responses.
   2. Use training load monitoring and performance testing with longitudinal designs.

FAQs

1. How long should my SEHS IA be?
   1. Typically 2,500-3,000 words maximum - check with your teacher for specific requirements.
2. Do I need ethical approval for human subjects?
   1. Yes, ethical approval required for human participants - obtain informed consent and ensure safety protocols.
3. Can I use existing data or studies?
   1. Primary data collection preferred - secondary analysis acceptable if properly justified and analyzed.
4. What statistical tests should I use?
   1. Depends on data type and research design - common tests include t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, chi-square.
5. Can I collaborate with other students?
   1. Limited collaboration allowed for data collection but each student must have unique research question and individual analysis.
6. How detailed should my methodology be?
   1. Detailed enough for exact replication - include equipment, protocols, participant instructions, and measurements.
7. What SEHS topics work well for IAs?
   1. Exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, nutrition, and training science investigations work well.
8. How important is the theoretical background?
   1. Very important - connect your investigation to SEHS principles from anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, or psychology.
9. Should I include personal reflection?
   1. Yes, personal engagement is assessed - show your individual interest and creative approach to the investigation.

Use the Free SEHS IA Grader Now

1. Stop guessing about your grade.
2. The comprehensive grading tool evaluates your IA against all five official criteria, giving instant feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
3. Input your investigation details and get a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they matter most.
4. SEHS-specific analysis helps you master the sports science methodology and data analysis that separate excellent from average SEHS IAs.