Prescribed experiments

Each school has to run an experimental scheme of work to support and enhance the learning experience in the Diploma Program.

It is up to individual educators to design a suitable course, but there are several experiments that are prescribed and, as such, make up part of the examinable material on the exam papers, specifically paper 3.

These experiments are listed below along with the relevant topic.

• Obtaining and using experimental data for deriving empirical formulas from reactions involving mass changes.
• Using titration to calculate the concentration of a solution by reference to a standard solution.
• Obtaining and using experimental values to calculate the molar mass of a gas from the ideal gas equation.
• A calorimetry experiment for an enthalpy of reaction should be covered and the results evaluated.
• Investigation of rates of reaction experimentally and evaluation of results.
• Candidates should have experience of acid-base titrations with different indicators.
• Students should be familiar with the use of a pH meter and universal indicator.
• Performance of laboratory experiments involving a typical voltaic cell using two metal/metal ion half-cells.
• Construction of 3D models (real or virtual) of organic molecules.
• Perform lab experiments which could include single replacement reactions in aqueous solutions.
  

Internal Assessment

The internal assessment is an extended experiment on a topic of the student's choice that should last 10 hours and is assessed against five criteria.

• Personal Engagement [2 marks]
• Exploration [6 marks]
• Analysis [6 marks]
• Evaluation [6 marks]
• Communication [4 marks]

This work will be moderated externally and the students grades adjusted appropriately. The IA experiment is marked out of 20.