IB Extended Essay (STEM) 2026: Research Design Playbook

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19 Sep 2025, 00:00 Z

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 document every AI or third-party input. The 2025 IB EE guide still prizes conceptual understanding, rigorous analysis, and reflective insight.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

IB Extended Essay (STEM) 2026: Research Design Playbook

1 Understand the 2025 Assessment Updates

1.1 Weighting and criteria

1.2 Integrity requirements

2 Frame a Research Question That Works

2.1 Physics templates

2.2 Chemistry templates

2.3 Mathematics templates

3 Build Your Methodology Matrix

4 Data Collection & Analysis Strategies

4.1 Experimental projects

4.2 Computational/simulation projects

4.3 Literature-supported investigations

5 Timeline & Reflection Cadence

6 Integrate EE Wins Into Your Portfolio

7 Support Stack & CTA

7.1 Reference library

7.2 CTA

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