Grade 12 Science Classes Complete Internal Assessment 

This week, ISI seniors completed their science courses’ Internal Assessment (IA), a full-day, student-designed lab experience that marks one of the most significant milestones in the IB curriculum. All ISI Grade 12 students participate in the IA labs, whether they are in Standard Level or High Level courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

The IA isn’t a typical lab. Since the first day of school, seniors have brainstormed research questions, designed their own experiments, and carefully prepared for every detail from selecting materials and testing logistics to learning how to use new lab technologies. With guidance from their instructors and access to the ISI science lab, students had the freedom to pursue experiments that reflected their individual curiosity and creativity.

On lab day, students spent the morning setting up experiments, running tests, and meticulously recording data; an exercise in patience, precision, and problem-solving. In the afternoon, students shifted gears, analyzing results, drawing conclusions, and drafting their formal lab reports. By the end of the day, each student had not only designed and executed an independent investigation but also gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges and rewards of real scientific research.

The IA exemplifies the heart of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, encouraging students to think critically, engage with complex ideas, and apply their learning in authentic, hands-on ways. The courses provide opportunities to design investigations and complete collegiate-level research, utilizing the science lab as well as simulations and databases. From exploring metabolic reactions to examining ecosystems, ISI seniors are building skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

Click here to learn more about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at ISI.