The most crucial first step is thorough planning. Before even entering the lab, you should define your research question, identify necessary materials, and write a detailed lab protocol. This prevents delays and ensures you have a clear roadmap for your experiment, helping you avoid common pitfalls.

Not necessarily. The guide advises against making your IA overly complex. A simple, well-executed experiment with detailed analysis and evaluation will likely score higher marks than a complex one that lacks depth or clarity. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of scientific methodology and critical thinking.

Don't stress! It's common for experiments not to yield perfect results. Instead of restarting, use this as an opportunity for evaluation. Explain why the experiment might not have worked, discuss limitations, and suggest improvements. This critical reflection can earn you valuable marks and demonstrates a deeper scientific understanding.

The guide suggests various ideas, such as measuring the effect of a variable (e.g., hand sanitiser, temperature, light) on bacterial growth or seed germination, analysing temperature's effect on food decay, or investigating limiting factors on photosynthesis. The key is to choose something manageable, interesting to you, and allows for robust data collection and analysis.

Lanterna tutors, many of whom scored 40+ in the IB and have examiner experience, can provide expert guidance on every stage of your Biology IA. They can help refine your research question, structure your methodology, guide your data analysis, and ensure your evaluation meets IB criteria, all while upholding academic honesty and fostering your independent learning.

Yes, absolutely. Our tutors can discuss your interests and the feasibility of different research questions, helping you narrow down a topic that is both engaging and achievable within the IA guidelines. They ensure your chosen topic allows for strong personal engagement and robust scientific inquiry, setting you up for success.

The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, no-pressure 20-30 minute session with an IB Student Success Expert. It's designed to help students and parents gain clarity on their IB journey, understand current challenges, and receive a personalised plan for what to focus on next, whether it's for IAs, exam prep, or general strategy.

Yes, the consultation is genuinely free, with absolutely no obligation to book tutoring. It's our way of providing immediate value and expert guidance to the IB community. You'll walk away with a clear plan and priorities, backed by our team's extensive experience, to help you navigate the IB with confidence.

Our Student Success Experts are highly experienced individuals with deep knowledge of the IB programme. They've supported thousands of IB students and are adept at identifying challenges, clarifying doubts, and outlining effective strategies for academic success across all subjects and components, including IAs and EEs.

The consultation is for any IB student or parent seeking clarity, guidance, or a strategic plan for their IB studies. You can expect a supportive conversation, clear answers to your questions, and actionable steps tailored to your specific situation, helping you feel more in control and confident about your IB journey.