"What is the latest update on Document 1B?"
New IB Science Paper 1B: Emphasizing Practical Skills and Conceptual Understanding
The International Baccalaureate (IB) has introduced a significant change to its Group 4 (Science) syllabus, with the addition of a new component, Paper 1B, starting from 2025. This change is particularly relevant to IB Chemistry, and similar adjustments are being made in other sciences like Biology.
What is Paper 1B?
Paper 1B is a structured response question format, approximately 1 hour duration, that focuses on data-based questions and experimental work. It complements Paper 1A, which consists of multiple-choice questions. The use of calculators is now permitted in Paper 1, including Paper 1B.
Key Features of Paper 1B
- Experimental Skills and Data Analysis: Students encounter questions requiring interpretation of experimental data, understanding experimental design, and applying scientific reasoning related to practical work.
- Paper 1B is part of a two-part Paper 1, combining traditional multiple-choice (1A) and practical/data-focused questions (1B).
- The paper accounts for 36% of the total grade in Chemistry and similarly weighted in other sciences like Biology.
- The experimental work and skills questions are explicitly located in Section B of Paper 1.
Differences from Previous Assessments
| Aspect | Previous IB Science Paper 1 | New IB Science Paper 1 (with 1B) | |----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Paper structure | Single Paper 1, mostly multiple-choice | Paper 1 split into 1A (multiple-choice) and 1B (data/experimental questions) | | Use of calculator | Usually not allowed in Paper 1 | Calculator allowed in Paper 1 including Paper 1B | | Experimental questions | Integrated within Paper 1 but less distinctly separated | Experimental questions concentrated in Section B of Paper 1 (i.e., Paper 1B) | | Assessment emphasis | More content-based recall and some experimental questions | Greater emphasis on conceptual understanding and experimental analysis | | Exam duration and weighting| SL and HL exam papers varied in length and weighting | Exam papers more balanced in length and equal weighting for SL and HL |
Preparing for Paper 1B
- Familiarize yourself with the updated 2025 syllabus for your specific science subject.
- Utilize textbooks, online resources, and revision guides that align with the new syllabus, such as RevisionDojo.
- Practice interpreting data, analyzing graphs, and solving problems based on given scenarios.
- Focus on practicing structured response questions that require detailed answers.
- Collaborate with peers to discuss challenging concepts and share study materials.
- Consult with your teachers for insights and feedback on your preparation.
- Explore RevisionDojo's extensive range of IB Science resources.
- Create an account on RevisionDojo for personalized study plans and resources.
- Use RevisionDojo's guides and tools to start practicing with confidence.
- Monitor your improvement and stay on track with RevisionDojo's progress tracking tools.
These changes support a more holistic and conceptual understanding of science, encouraging students to connect theory with practice and underlying themes in biology and chemistry. The guidelines for experimental work, including ethical considerations such as microbiology and animal experiments, have also been updated to support practical skill development in line with Paper 1B content.
Incorporating the new Paper 1B, students can track their progress in education-and-self-development by utilizing resources like RevisionDojo that align with the updated 2025 IB Science syllabus. This progress tracking extends to gaining competence in areas such as science practical skills, data analysis, and conceptual understanding – facilitated by the focus on experimental work and structured response questions presented in Paper 1B.
