IB Extended Essay (STEM) 2026: Research Design Playbook
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)19 Sep 2025, 00:00 Z
TL;DR
Start with a sharply scoped research question, build a methodology matrix that balances data richness with safety/feasibility, and document every AI or third-party input. The 2025 IB EE guide still prizes conceptual understanding, rigorous analysis, and reflective insight.
1 Understand the 2025 Assessment Updates
1.1 Weighting and criteria
- Total word limit: 4,000 words.
- Assessment criteria (A-E): Focus on topic, research, analysis, discussion/evaluation, and engagement. (IB EE overview)
- Engagement (Criterion E) now explicitly values documented planning and critical reflection via the RPPF.
1.2 Integrity requirements
- Reference the IB Academic Integrity Policy (2022) in your proposal. Document any AI tools, simulations, or mentors consulted. (IB Academic Integrity)
- Maintain raw data, code, and prompt logs to furnish if requested by examiners.
2 Frame a Research Question That Works
2.1 Physics templates
| Domain | Sample RQ scaffold | Feasibility cues |
| Mechanics | "How does the launch angle influence energy transfer efficiency in a two-stage projectile launcher?" | Accessible with tracker video analysis + force sensors |
| Electricity | "How do graphene-coated electrodes affect capacitance retention in supercapacitors under varying humidity?" | Requires controlled lab access; align with school safety protocols |
2.2 Chemistry templates
| Domain | Sample RQ scaffold | Feasibility cues |
| Kinetics | "What is the effect of transition metal catalysts on the decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide at 25 °C?" | Manageable with standard lab reagents; ensure temperature stability |
| Analytical | "How accurately can UV-Vis spectroscopy quantify food dye concentration in commercial beverages?" | Needs spectrophotometer access; plan calibration standards |
2.3 Mathematics templates
| Domain | Sample RQ scaffold | Feasibility cues |
| Modelling | "How well can logistic growth functions model dengue case data in Singapore from 2015-2024?" | Public data via MOH dashboards; use Python/R for curve fitting |
| Optimisation | "What is the optimal path planning strategy for a delivery drone navigating HDB estates?" | Use publicly available GIS data; justify constraints |
✅ Scope test: The question should allow primary data collection or original modelling. Avoid encyclopaedic surveys.
3 Build Your Methodology Matrix
| Question component | Data source | Tools | Validation |
| Projectile launcher efficiency | Tracker video data, Vernier force sensor | Tracker, LoggerPro, Python | Re-run trials (n ≥ 5), compute uncertainty |
| Hydrogen peroxide decomposition | Oxygen volume vs time | Gas syringe, spreadsheet regression | Temperature control log, replicate runs |
| Dengue logistic model | MOH dataset, NEA weather data | Python (NumPy, SciPy), Tableau visuals | Goodness-of-fit (R²), residual analysis |
- Triangulate: Combine experimental data with simulations when possible.
- Safety & ethics: Submit risk assessments for chemical/physics experiments; ensure data privacy compliance when working with public health datasets.
4 Data Collection & Analysis Strategies
4.1 Experimental projects
- Use school labs during off-peak slots; book lab technicians early.
- Calibrate instruments (burettes, spectrophotometers) before each session.
- Log ambient conditions—IB expects commentary on uncontrolled variables.
4.2 Computational/simulation projects
- Use open-source datasets (e.g. Data.gov.sg).
- Document algorithm design choices and code repositories (GitHub, school intranet).
- Run sensitivity analyses to demonstrate robustness.
4.3 Literature-supported investigations
- Tap JSTOR’s open access collection for peer-reviewed scaffolding. (JSTOR OA)
- When using secondary data, justify reliability and explain limitations.
5 Timeline & Reflection Cadence
| DP timeline | Milestone | Evidence to capture |
| Term 1 (Apr-Jun) | Topic exploration, preliminary proposal | Brainstorm sheet, teacher feedback comments |
| Term 2 (Jul-Sep) | Pilot experiment / dataset test | Lab photos, sample calculations, initial code outputs |
| Term 3 (Oct-Dec) | Full data collection, first draft | Annotated graphs, error analysis table, RPPF reflection 1 |
| Term 4 (Jan-Mar) | Revision, supervisor viva, final submission | Final RPPF entries, Turnitin report, bibliography exports |
- Conduct monthly reflection sessions to update the RPPF with insights on challenges, ethical considerations, and what changed in your methodology.
- Schedule at least two formal supervisor meetings (beginning and mid-cycle) to secure documented guidance without over-coaching.
6 Integrate EE Wins Into Your Portfolio
- Convert your methodology matrix into a mini research proposal for NUS SRP or SSEF submissions.
- Extract a 250-word abstract and 3-slide summary deck for scholarship or DSA interviews.
- Capture photos/videos of experiments (with permissions) to enrich digital portfolios.
7 Support Stack & CTA
7.1 Reference library
7.2 CTA
- Download our EE methodology matrix template (Google Sheet).
- Book a 60-minute EE scoping consult—our mentors stress-test research questions, simulate viva voce prompts, and ensure academic integrity compliance.
- Join the STEM EE writing sprint (4-week cohort) to keep drafts, data analysis, and RPPF reflections on schedule.
