IB Extended Essay (STEM) 2026: Research Design Playbook

Q: What does IB Extended Essay (STEM) 2026: Research Design Playbook cover?
A: End-to-end guide for IB DP Year 1 scientists plotting a high-scoring Extended Essay.

TL;DR
Start with a sharply scoped research question, build a methodology matrix that balances data richness with safety/feasibility, and keep evidence of every AI or third-party input. Per the IB Extended Essay subject brief (first assessment 2027), cap the essay at 4,000 words, write to the five assessment criteria, and finish the three reflection checkpoints with a 500-word statement on the Reflection and progress form (RPF). (IB EE subject brief)

Need a syllabus refresher before shortlisting EE topics? Pair this playbook with our latest IB Mathematics syllabus briefing so you know how HL/SL content feeds into research questions.

Status: IB EE subject brief (first assessment 2027) last checked 2025-11-30 - word cap 4,000; five assessment criteria; three reflections + 500-word RPF statement remain unchanged.

1 Assessment essentials (IB subject brief, first assessment 2027)

1.1 Weighting and criteria

• Total word limit: 4,000 words for the title-body-conclusion (quotes included). (IB EE subject brief)
• Assessment criteria: Framework for the essay; Knowledge and understanding; Analysis and line of argument; Discussion and evaluation; Reflection. (same source)
• The EE contributes to the core points with Theory of Knowledge; write to the assessment objectives (know/understand, apply/analyse, synthesize/evaluate, communicate with integrity).

1.2 Integrity requirements

• Three mandatory reflection sessions (ending with a 10–15 minute viva voce) plus a 500-word reflection statement filed on the RPF. Keep the form updated as you cross each checkpoint. (same source)
• Maintain raw data, code, lab logs, and prompt/tool logs so you can evidence academic integrity if examiners request it.

2 Frame a Research Question That Works

2.1 Physics templates