Exploring Physics Through Passion: IB DP Students Take on Their Internal Assessments

One of the most exciting moments in the IB DP Physics course is when students take full control of their own learning through their Internal Assessment (IA). This project is not just a requirement; it is an opportunity for students to dive deep into a physics topic that truly interests them, designing and conducting their own experiments while applying the knowledge they have built over the years. As the IA is worth 20% of their final grade, the stakes are high—but so is the enthusiasm and dedication they bring to their work.

This year, one of our students has taken on an ambitious and fascinating experiment, focusing on the aerodynamics of parachutes. Instead of just sticking to the basics, they have expanded their research by testing seven different parachute sizes and analyzing their performance under seven varying weight conditions. This approach ensures a rich dataset for analysis, allowing for a detailed exploration of how air resistance affects descent time and how optimization techniques can be applied to improve parachute efficiency.

Beyond just the numbers, this experiment is a reflection of real-world physics at play. The student is not only investigating traditional aerodynamic principles but also considering modern challenges—such as the impact of new materials and increasing global temperatures on parachute performance. These factors make the research more relevant, pushing the boundaries beyond textbook knowledge and into practical, real-life problem-solving.

Seeing students take ownership of their learning in such a meaningful way is truly inspiring. The IA process is not just about getting a good grade—it’s about curiosity, experimentation, and growth. It’s about learning how to ask the right questions, how to collect and analyze data critically, and how to draw meaningful conclusions that could have real-world applications. As a teacher, watching them transform into independent thinkers, confidently presenting their ideas and tackling challenges head-on, is one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

We are incredibly proud of the effort and creativity our IB DP Physics students are putting into their investigations, and we can’t wait to see the final results of their research. One thing is certain—the future of science is in great hands!