IB Biology Practical Investigations/The Chemistry of Life

TEACHING IDEAS

Practical investigations or activities included in this section are intended as a teaching resource rather than an assessment tool. Although all practical hours recorded may be counted on the form 4/PSOW, these activities are probably not suitable for assessment of the IA criteria.

Chemical Elements and Water

Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins

• Chemsketch - modeling biological molecules

Enzymes

DNA Structure and Replication

• Simple DNA Extraction

Protein Synthesis: Transcription and Translation

• Protein Synthesis Running Dictation

Cell Respiration

Photosynthesis

ASSESSMENT IDEAS

These ideas are included as a starting point for teachers planning investigations in this topic. Investigations included here are not endorsed by the IBO and may not match the criteria precisely. Please exercise caution and judgement when selecting IA topics for submission.

• Virtual Elodea Lab 1 (DCP)

• Candy War: Smarties vs M&Ms (All criteria)

RECOMMMENDED TEXTS: CHEMISTRY OF LIFE

• Further Investigations in Biology (Vol 1): Cells and Biochemistry. Billiet, P. et al. IBID Press, 2002. ISBN 1 876659 068

• Instant Notes: Chemistry for Biologists. Fisher, J and Arnold, JRP. BIOS Scientific, 2000. ISBN 1 85996 241 6